THE annual Malvern CC Quintech U14 cricket competition held at Regency Road last Sunday was played in bright, sunny conditions.

Six local teams took part and rewarded the many spectators with cricket of an extraordinary high standard and an absorbing final which was won with just two balls to spare.

Apart from the cricket there was a magnificent barbecue together with numerous stalls to keep players and spectators amused during intervals. On such a glorious day it was not surprising that Eric Davis behind the bar was busiest of all.

In the morning session Malvern scored victories over Worcester Nomads and Old Elizabethans to lead their group, Dominies and Guild led theirs by beating Worcester and West Malvern.

In the afternoon session Nomads fought back and, in a thrilling match against Dominies, just failed to do enough to reach the final. Malvern in turn scored victories over West Malvern and Worcester to secure their place in the final against Dominies.

The final itself couldn't have been more compelling. Dominies won the toss and elected to bat, only once in the previous 12 games of the day had the team batting first lost, so they started the game with confidence. Malvern however made an early breakthrough, Chappell taking the wicket of D'Oliveira for one in the second over, but Marks (26no) and Wilkinson (10) took the final score to 60 off the allotted six overs.

Dovey took the important wicket of Ford for just five runs, but it was mainly due to Croad behind the stumps and economical bowling particularly by Taylor and Knight that Dominies were restricted to their lowest total of the day.

In reply Malvern opened with Dovey and Chappell, the latter having to retire on 27 for the second time in the day after hitting a towering six off Brace, his second of the day. After Poole was stumped for seven, Croad and Tayler both went cheaply but with two balls to spare Dovey's leg glance crept over the boundary to give Malvern victory. Marks and Ford were the pick of the Dominies bowlers.

The awards were presented by Charles Poole from Quintech Computers. Thanks were given to all the teams, managers and spectators who ensured the tournament was a great success, together with the volunteers from Malvern CC without whom the event would not have been possible.

Performances for all the days matches were taken into consideration and Daniel Sprowl from Old Elizabethans was awarded best fielder for two excellent catches, Mat Brace from Dominies picked up best bowler while best batsman went to John Dovey, the Malvern captain.

For his allround performance with bat and ball Andrew Ford from Dominies was presented with a new bat, donated by Crusader Sports, as the player of the tournament.

It was left to John Dovey of Malvern to collect the winners trophy.