MALVERN entertained Romsley in the Crusader Worcestershire County League Division Two on Saturday and emerged pointless.

MALVERN v ROMSLEY & HUNNINGTON

The home team's performance was lamentable which does not auger well for the rest of the season.

Malvern captain Luke Halion won the toss and decided to bat on a pitch that showed no ill effect from the heavy overnight rain.

Dave Arnold and Mark Baugh put on 14 for the first wicket before Baugh dragged a wide ball on to his middle stump. Sam Peachey and Rob Francis quickly came and went and at 23-3 Halion arrived at the wicket.

The captain played an excellent innings and showed his team mates what could be achieved with a sensible approach, mixing stout defence with some elegant shots all round the wicket.

Neil Thompson added a bright and inventive 13, but Malvern's total of 104 never looked a decent score.

Romsley's opening pair of Moore and Monger quickly got into their stride. A couple of opportunities came and went but the visitors emerged as nine-wicket winners and with a maximum 24 points. It was a little ironic because at one point they seemed happy for the game to be abandoned.

Malvern have a game tomorrow (Saturday) away at Stourport, and also a game on Bank Holiday Monday, at home to Alvechurch, and will need a massive improvement in all departments if they are to gain positive results.