MALVERN RAMBLERS beat EASTNOR by one wicket

MALVERN Ramblers finally achieved their first league win of the season on Saturday and what an incredible win it was.

Rob Francis, who had earlier taken five wickets, hit a century as Ramblers recovered from 97-8 to score the 203 runs needed for victory.

Eastnor won the toss and elected to bat. Keith Fortey (32) gave the home side a fine start but the introduction of Gordon Hawker brought an immediate reward as he had Nick Bollen well caught at slip by Rob Francis.

Emery and Arshand batted well, but it was the arrival of Shahid to the wicket which really accelerated the run rate as he scored an excellent 90 not out before Eastnor were bowled out for 202.

Francis (5-66) was the pick of the Malvern bowlers but all of the Ramblers contributed in the field, the highlight being Hawker's full length diving catch to dismiss Fortey.

Paul Young and Mark Baugh opened brightly, but when the former was dismissed by Shahid this brought on a familiar slump. Ramblers were soon 34-5 and staring at another defeat.

However, Francis and Dave Arnold had other ideas and added an invaluable 45 runs for the sixth wicket. Malvern were beginning to dream of an unlikely victory but Arnold's demise triggered another slump and at 97-8, Eastnor were the overwhelming favourites.

Francis then found an ally in Hawker and together they added 61 runs for the 9th wicket. Hawker using all his experience to work the ball for the singles.

It seemed these two would take Malvern to a remarkable win but when Hawker was dismissed, Ramblers were still 45 runs short of victory. Mark Mitchell came to the wicket and with Francis they brought Malvern close to their target.

Francis reached his century, including 11 4's and four 6's to rapturous applause from his team mates but still there was more drama to come.

Malvern needed only five runs to win but Eastnor could still have won the game had they taken their catches. Fortunately for Malvern two difficult opportunities were spilled.

The 45th over proved to be decisive as Mitchell calmly stroked the ball for the winning boundary.

Malvern would like to thank Crusader Sports for their generous sponsorship.