MALVERN were held to a losing draw at WCL Division Two table-topping Evesham.

Evesham batted first and quickly lost John Gregory for 12.

EVESHAM v MALVERN

A couple of difficult chances were spurned and Evesham grew in confidence after these with Lewis and Collins adding 60 for the second wicket.

At 100-4 the innings was still in the balance when Granacki and Jones came together. After a steady Jones launched a ferocious assault on the bowling to end up with an excellent 100 in only 20 overs, an innings which helped Evesham to 273.

Malvern had their usual poor start and at 10-2 were in trouble. Rob Francis hit a breezy 21 but the innings was held together by Luke Halion again batting supremely well to record his fourth consecutive league 50 of the season

Adam Dovey looked in fine form until he was harshly adjudged lbw and David Arnold, promoted in the order, played some classical cover drives in his time at the wicket as Malvern played out the final overs to earn a deserved draw.

MALVERN II v EVESHAM II

ANOTHER excellent all round performance by Malvern Seconds saw them gain 20 points over Evesham Seconds on Saturday.

After a delayed start due to the World Cup, Malvern skipper Besgrove asked Evesham to bat.

Evesham's opener and captain Jackson was a cut above the other batsmen as he showed with good timing in his shots.

The rest struggled against Malvern's attack with Cox again bowling particularly well. With regular wickets falling Jackson continued to score, but was running out of partners, only one other batsman managed double figures. Cox finished another 20 over stint with five wickets taking him to 32 for the season so far, only five off the record. Besgrove mopped up the last two wickets, including Jackson for an excellent 65. With 23 extras, Evesham's total was 110 all out.

Once again Dave Cox and Walwyn opened the Malvern batting and immediately took control of the bowling. Evesham's heads sagged as Cox started playing every shot in the book. Ably supported by Walwyn, they raced towards the Evesham total. After only 16 overs the target was met with Walwyn on 29no (two singles) and Cox on 67no (four singles) an excellent knock.

Malvern play Nomads this Saturday eager to make it seven wins out of ten games.

Thanks to Infosigns for match sponsorship.