WORCESTER Nomads 1st XI managed to complete only 19 overs at Bransford against some mediocre bowling from visitors Stourport.

Both Nomads batsmen, Malcolm Jones and Simon Harris showed good early season form, and gave little indication they would be dismissed. Nomads had progressed to 120 without loss when the game was abandoned, with Jones on 67 and Harris on 40.

In the away fixture, the 2nd XI fared no better, completing only a meagre five overs, during which time they gained the upper hand.

Having invited the opposition to bat first Nomads managed to remove Davies for three, caught by first slip John Ranscombe off the bowling of Steve Wilks. At 8-1 the rain intervened.

Sunday was perhaps equally frustrating, as the second XI were again without a game as visitors Kidderminster were unable to fulfil the fixture and Nomads were unable to find an alternative in time.

The first XI however did manage to make the most of a pleasant sunny afternoon away to local rivals Malvern.

In his first game as skipper Dave Finbow lost the toss, and Malvern had little hesitation in bowling first on an awkward wicket.

The batsmen found the ball wasn't coming on to the bat, and scoring runs was never easy. A steady fall of wickets throughout the middle order failed to allow Nomads the upper hand. Dave Pearson with 44 found support from Leach with 16 and Jones with 13, but Nomads were dismissed for just 115.

The visitors needed to keep the pressure on, but Hooper in particular seemed happy to take the attack to the bowlers, and had moved quickly on to 22 before skying a top edge to Williams at slip.

The loss of Steve Bowman to a hamstring injury looked likely to prove decisive, but whilst it did it was not as expected. Malcolm Jones came on and took three quick wickets including the key wicket of Rob Francis for three.

Lee Jenkins was still there however, and looked dangerous. Under 14's bowler Tom Longley, making his senior debut, had other ideas and bowled Jenkins in his second over for 36.

Nomads now found themselves in the ascendancy and Williams duly dismissed the tail to leave Nomads with a clear win by 25 runs.