BEWDLEY'S Worcestershire League Division Two title ambitions took a blow with a losing draw at Malvern, despite another good innings from Paul Beard.

The batsman drove 71 runs but the Wyre Forest side had to concentrate on getting the fourth batting point and a tie when he was bowled out.

Malvern elected to bat first and were on course for a big score at 62-1 in the 16th over before a wicket for Mark Bennett (3-59) and a smart run-out changed matters.

Bewdley then looked to be in command with Malvern reduced to 107-5 with 18 overs left but all-rounder R Francis (63) led an assault on the bowling.

Francis was particularly severe on Simon Mauger who went for 33 runs in two successive overs though he took two wickets.

Jason Taylor (2-34) returned to bowl the danger man but tail-ender Neale's quick 20 set Bewdley a 229 target which became tougher when they lost both openers for ducks.

Beard led the recovery, recording two half-century stands with Mauger (24) and Paul Edwards (39) which brought them back into the match.

They needed 48 runs from nine overs but Francis (4-48) was brought back to pick up two crucial wickets.

Malvern 228-9, Bewdley 204-8.

The seconds continued an impressive run of victories by reaching another large target to beat Malvern with three overs to spare.

Malvern were put into bat first and Scott Fowler (3-66) rediscovered some of his old pace to leave them on 56-3.

S Walker (85 not out) batted well, despite riding his luck with dropped catches and confident appeals, and was still going strong when the innings ended on 234-7.

In reply, skipper David Jones was caught for 18 which brought David Meek and Simon Jones together for the best batting stand of 87.

S Jones fell for 60 but Andy Robinson (52) then played a major role in a 64-run stand with Meek who also scored 60 runs.

Both fell either side of 200 with Robinson struggling with an injury but Andy Hartley ran five off his first ball as second-placed Bewdley took a 20-point victory.

Malvern 234-7, Bewdley 2nds 235-5.