OVER 450 runs were scored on the Mathon Court pitch on Sunday when West Malvern entertained Stourbridge Social.

WEST MALVERN v STOURBRIDGE SOCIAL

Only five wickets fell, however, making it a day for batsmen to excel. Matthew Blackbourn made the most of his opportunity hitting an unbeaten century and carrying his bat throughout the two hours it took to bowl the 40 overs.

His 130no came off just 110 balls and formed the backbone of West's innings. The next highest scorer for the home side was Joe Little, still a junior, who was also not out at the end, on 34 from 72 balls. Blackbourn's innings was a study in controlled aggression with many of his 15 fours and two sixes being hit in the V, some to the distinct discomfort of the umpire who had to take avoiding action on a number of occasions.

The club's records are being examined to see if this is the highest score in the club's history, it must certainly be the quickest high score.

Even with their total on 225-2 at the end of the innings, West did not feel secure. With two fixtures that day, family commitments and holidays taking their toll on the availability of players even those with injuries were drafted in to play

Those fears were realised when the visitors passed the home sides total with 3.5 overs to spare having lost just three wickets.

The home side's inability to bowl as well as they had batted meant they came out second best but all the talk at the end was for Matthew Blackbourn's maiden century and the style in which it was achieved.