MALVERN entertained local rivals Worcester Nomads on Saturday and emerged victorious after a hard-fought and even WCL division two contest.

MALVERN v WORCESTER NOMADS

Malvern captain David Arnold lost the toss and after six overs both openers had been dismissed with 18 on the board. David Cox fell soon after to a slight deflection down the leg side and at 25-3, Worcester were in command.

Mark Baugh and Rob Francis (21) then came together and their partnership of 51 was crucial.

Adam Dovey joined Baugh and he immediately signalled his intentions with some powerful strokes. The score had reached 140 when Dovey was out for 29 and Baugh followed quickly after for a watchful 46.

The innings rather fell away but Malvern's total of 160 was thought to be competitive.

Ben Schiffman and Steve Bowman both bowled fine spells for the visitors.

Worcester reached 20 without alarm but the loss of Dave Pearson brought about a clatter of wickets. Leach struck the ball well for his 36, but captain Arnold's shrewd promptings ensured Malvern were always ahead of the game.

The introduction of debutante Matt Hooley proved inspired as he accounted for the always dangerous Bowman and at 78-7, Worcester were in dire straits.

Schiffman briefly threatened but Malvern's three pacemen, Francis, Dovey and Jeremy Lee, ensured their side completed the win and gained an invaluable 24 points.

WORCESTER NOMADS II v MALVERN II

MALVERN Seconds' skipper Richard Cullen bravely invited the home team to bat on what looked to be an outstanding track.

Nomads' openers Bland (30) and Finbow (46) made steady progress, moving their team on to 74 before Bland fell lbw to Besgrove.

Once the second wicket fell to Thompson, with a little help from Hughes, who took an outstanding reaction catch in the covers, Nomads struggled.

Under continued pressure from Besgrove and Thompson, supported by excellent fielding, the home side closed on 169 from their rain-reduced 49 overs.

In reply, the Malvern openers set about chasing the total with a similarly steady approach. Walwyn hit a couple of good boundaries before being bowled by Goodrich for 12. This brought Andy Cullen to the crease to join Grove and the pair immediately made an impact on the run rate.

Continued aggression meant Malvern reached their target with eight overs to spare to win by nine wickets with both players not out with 59 and 83 respectively.