MALVERN travelled to Stourport on Saturday for their Division Two fixture and came away with a winning draw after a much improved all round performance.

STOURPORT v MALVERN

Malvern openers David Arnold and Mark Baugh got Malvern off to a sound start, putting on 27 before Arnold was well caught by Neill for 13. Mark Hooper, promoted in the order, was in assured form and added a further 33 for the second wicket before Baugh departed for a solid 27.

A quick flurry of wickets meant Malvern slumped to 73-5 but Steven Carter and Adam Dovey produced a fine partnership of 80 to repair the innings. Both started cautiously but after playing themselves in, really started to dominate with some superb strokes and excellent running between the wickets. Dovey finally fell for an invaluable 29 whilst Carter remained undefeated on 49, one short of what would have been a richly deserved half century.

Malvern's score of 161 was a reasonable one considering the damp outfield but certainly far from formidable, however, Stourport seemed intent on not losing from the start.

Rob Francis and Neil Thompson were at their best, bowling a superb length and line, and reducing the home side to 22-4.

This was the cue for Stourport to retreat further into themselves and bat the overs out, a late flurry from Rob Francis, with three wickets in an over, gave Malvern a total of 15 points from the game.

Highlights of Malvern's efforts in the field were a brilliant stumping by Arnold and an altogether more committed display from everybody.