MALVERN entertained local rivals Barnards Green for their only battle of the season on Sunday.

MALVERN v BARNARDS GREEN SUNDAY

Barnards Green won the toss and elected to bat on a placid looking wicket. Openers Jeremy Clarke and Chris Hill immediately took the initiative, especially playing drives off the front foot. Francis eventually got the wicket of Clarke caught at the wicket for 30.

Hill was joined by Kevin Golder and they continued to score relatively freely. After 20 overs 250 plus looked to be on the cards. Malvern's change bowlers however bowled with reasonable control and at the end of their innings they were 210 for two with Golder 98 not out.

In reply Malvern started off quite well with Dovey and Arnold adding 30 for the first wicket. Dovey, Arnold, Halion and Carter were then dismissed in quick succession to leave Malvern in trouble.

Francis looked in good form until he was caught off a wide for 29. The Green thought they had the game in the bag, however they hadn't reckoned with the veteran Paul Young who came in at number seven. Ably assisted by first of all Roy Evans (18) and then Neil Thompson (30no). Young saw Malvern to victory with an undefeated 66 with one over to spare.

Next Sunday, Malvern are at home to Colwall.

BARNARDS GREEN SUNDAY II v BLOXWICH

BARNARDS Green 2nds entertained a strong Bloxwich side at North End Lane.

Stand in skipper John Wheeler won the toss and inserted the opposition who got off to a positive start. Lee Hooper then picked up the first of his six wickets when Westleigh skied a full toss and was well caught by Mike Oakes. A good partnership between Scott and Swinton saw Bloxwich moving towards a big total before Hooper returned to take both their wickets. Hooper finished with 6-51 and Bloxwich scored 202 off 40 overs.

In reply the Green got off to a solid start before James Curtis was caught behind for 14 with the score on 40. Derek Goodman (77) batted solidly and received good support from Hooper (25) and Tim Price (12) before being the eighth Green wicket to fall on 155. Jamie Longmore hit 10no before Mike Oakes became the last man out with Barnards Green 32 runs short.

Many thanks to match sponsors David Spilsbury Funeral Services.