NOMADS Seconds were once again frustrated by the tail enders hanging on to stave off defeat in their home fixture against Malvern.

WORCESTER NOMADS II v MALVERN II

Nomads batsmen were totally in command of the visitors attack, amassing 274-4. Opener Chris Marsh top-scored with 69, and set the home side off to an excellent start in an opening stand with Chris Bland worth 108

Lee Wilks with 40 continued the charge, but Paddy Clear (52no) and Nick Williams (54no) crashed the bowling around to great effect, making 100 in the last 12 overs to leave Malvern chasing a daunting 275 to win.

The visitors didn't get off to the start they needed, losing both openers relatively quickly, and it was always going to be uphill from that point onwards. Nomads lost key bowler Williams to a groin strain, but were still in command until Walwyn and Cox came together to frustrate the home side. Skipper Madzarevic removed Cox, but Malvern hung on for the draw.

Nomads need to find the decisive cutting edge if they are to continue the climb to the top of the table, this being the third occasion when they have been unable to remove the tail end when it mattered.

BELBROUGHTON III v WORCESTER NOMADS III

AN outstanding opening partnership of 212 by Doolittle (135) and Ross (88) put a strong Belbroughton Thirds in complete command after being asked to bat.

It was a superb batting display, and allowed the home side to declare early on 258-3.

In reply, Nomads lost Brown to the first ball of the innings, and despite a belligerent 32 from Isaacs were soon tottering on 71-8 after a burst of hostile bowling from Pearson (5-8).

Nomads battled on for another 28 overs and almost held on for a draw, with Nigel Rees making 38 and the injured Gary Sandbrook 20.

Terry Birt remained undefeated in a brave effort to save the game. Belbroughton won by 110 runs.