MALVERN College 1st XI had by far the better of a draw with their traditional rivals, Shrewsbury School, on Sat-urday.

Malvern's acclaimed batting line up, led by Will Gifford who is in prime form at the moment, put the Shrewsbury attack to the sword, rattling up 249-3 declared.

At first, such a score seemed unobtainable as Malvern lost three quick wickets relatively cheaply. Then the two Wills, Gifford and Murtagh came together and remained unbeaten in a run feast of a stand worth 170.

Gifford was not out on 100, his second against this team, and Murtagh was 68no out when the declaration came. Both matched each other shot for shot; it was stirring stuff and thrilling to watch.

Shrewsbury tackled their mammoth task in response with commendable discipline but none of their batsmen really got going in order for them to mount a realistic challenge.

The wicket got flatter and flatter and tirelessly though the Malvern seamers stuck to their task, they were unable to wheedle out batsmen quickly enough to induce any panic. Malvern's lack of a spinner was cruelly exposed and in the end a rather tame draw ensued with Shrewsbury on 183-6.

The day like the wicket had gone flat after Gifford's triumph.

Malvern College 249-3 decl (W Gifford 100no, W Murtagh 68no). Shrewsbury School 183-6.