MALVERN College 1st XI has finally defeated their old rivals Harrow School by 104 runs after a long wait of 36 years.

For some reason, Harrow have been their bogey team over the years but at last they have put that pesky ghost to rest with a thoroughly convincing victory on the Senior ground at Malvern College.

Malvern were invited to bat first and setoff like an express train. It was with some surprise that Wood was bowled for 42 as Harrow regained some measure of control with their spinners. However Gifford and Edkins slowly but surely and with mounting assurance took back the initiative so much so that it seemed they could bat all day. But Malvern decided to declare at about half time on 237-3 with Edkins out for an accomplished 88 and Gifford on 72no.

At first not a lot happened and with Harrow safely at tea without losing a wicket a Malvern victory seemed improbable. A stunning catch behind the wicket by Arthur Vaughan (he took five) seemed to galvanise the bowlers who tore in with a renewed sense of purpose. Bowling in tandem downwind, George Vaughan (3-33) and Latter (4-15) rattled the Harrovians with some hostile bowling while Tolchard, Edkins and Bailey fired away selflessly at the other end.

Wickets fell regularly but it became not a race against the clock but against the gathering rain clouds and, as the last wicket fell amidst joyous celebration, the clouds burst. Nothing however could dampen the pleasure of exorcising that 36 year old ghost!

Malvern: 237-3 dec (C Wood 42, B Edkins 88, W Gifford 72no); Harrow 133 (G Vaughan 3-33, E Latter 4-15).