AN emphatic nine wicket win over Malvern Ramblers crowned Colwall winners of the Worcester Carnival Cup on Monday evening.

COLWALL v MALVERN RAMBLERS

In a 20-over final at Stowe Lane, Colwall elected to field and the decision paid dividends as Will Hards' pace and swing brought two of the first three wickets to leave Ramblers in trouble at 25-3.

Wickets continued to tumble as James Wagstaff's superb spell of 2-18 and Dave Sutton's 2-24 ripped through the visitor's middle order.

Only a well played and timed innings from Mark Baugh, who later collected the man of the match award, of 61 in 54 balls saved Ramblers from a low score. His patience and 32 partnership with Kite (15) pushed Ramblers above the century mark but both batsmen fell to Sutton, the former to a well taken catch at deep mid-on by Mark Shouler.

After two more run outs in a final search for runs Ramblers were all out for 108 on the last ball of the innings.

Colwall's victory was never in doubt after yet another excellent Tom Wolfendale and Dave Powell opening partnership although it needed a late 35 in 19 balls from Will Hards to confirm the win.

Despite tight spells from Neil Thompson and Neil Hitchins, conceding only 31 runs between them Colwall's class shone through as the openers and especially Powell punished any short bowling. Powell was bowled by Thompson however for 35 to end a 73 partnership and sensible batting by Wolfendale (40no) ensured Colwall could attempt the 30 runs needed with six overs left. The 16th over though saw Colwall home as Will Hards crashed 16 in six balls, including a huge six.

The home side went on to take victory by nine wickets, Mark Shouler collecting the trophy as Evening League captain.