MALVERN Seconds completed their WCL season against Kidderminster with a defeat, but an honourable one.

KIDDERMINSTER II v MALVERN II

Losing the toss with nine men, on a superb track with a short boundary Malvern would always struggle.

Kidderminster batted very sensibly against initial solid bowling. However, youngster Portsmouth batted with amazing maturity and the score soon ramped up. Even the splendid efforts of Cullen and Arnold in the field could not stop the runs coming. Portsmouth was joined by Cook and together they shared a 168 run partnership before declaring on 269-2 off 45 overs. Portsmouth and Cook both completed superb 100s. Keeper Walwyn performed splendidly behind the stumps with only seven extras in the total.

Malvern were never really in it from the start. Thompson and Walwyn produced a solid opening partnership of 45 but wickets then fell regularly. Thompson fell to a sharp catch for 46 enabling Besgrove (26) and Hooper (37) to complete a 50 partnership. Malvern finished on 174 all out (with only nine men). Hooper batted very sensibly for his 37 not out.

Although Malvern lost, they showed great commitment. Skipper Dan Besgrove would like to thank his players for a top effort this season, sometimes under difficult circumstances.