MALVERN Second XI entertained Stourport at Regency Road on Saturday in a WCL game.

MALVERN II v STOURPORT II

Malvern won the toss and asked the visitors to bat first. Stourport made a quick start scoring at six runs an over for the first eight overs, S Davies making a very good (48) and B Pittaway (17).

The introduction of John Crowther 4-46 saw the runs slow down, middle order batting from R Allen (28), A Goddard (27) and R Cook (17) took Stourport to 146-5.

Then Richard Bird, playing his first game for a month was introduced, two overs and two wickets for four runs brought an abrupt end to the innings at 154-7 in 30 overs, Stourport having only eight players.

After an excellent tea provided by Marge and Penny, Malvern had 69 overs to get 155 runs. Malvern's reply was disappointing, losing D Cox early on. D Sharp (12) and C Postons (17) added 31 before Postons was out. This brought John Greenway to the wicket, who played with great maturity holding the fort when those around him were losing their wickets. John (27) and Mark Hooper (21) added 50 runs, John's innings coming to an end after 30 overs when the score was 124.

Three quick wickets fell before J Crowther (23) set about the bowling trying to hit one too many out of the ground and was caught at 125-8. Malvern were still in trouble, needing 30 runs with only two wickets left. Ian Sumner (21no) and Richard Bird (9no) saw Malvern home to victory in the 50th over.

Malvern were in fourth place before this game.

Malvern 20 pts, Stourport 5 pts.