ON Saturday Malvern Ramblers entertained Alvechurch & Hopwood First XI at Regency Road.

MALVERN RAMBLERS 1ST XI v ALVECHURCH & HOPWOOD 1ST XI

Alvechurch captain John Clifford won the toss and put Malvern into bat. Richard Neale and Mark Baugh for the second week running gave Malvern a steady start until the former was lbw to Kings for 13. Baugh was joined by Young and these two experienced players put on 65 for the second wicket. Having reached 97 off 30overs Young was caught at mid-wicket for 40, looking to increase the scoring rate. Baugh assisted by Francis (15), Carter (16) and Dave Arnold (17) were looking to get the score past 200. With the dismissal of Baugh for a fine 58 and the tail not wagging, Malvern were all out off the last ball of the innings for 196.

In reply Lavender was run out for four and veteran Payton and the incoming Jones both struggled against the bowling of Francis and Thompson.

Payton was eventually caught off Francis for eight and the very next ball Shakells was brilliantly caught by Jenkins off the same bowler. To round things off Rudge was bowled for a duck off the same Francis over.

Guy and Sidaway showed some resistance but both were eventually out to Jenkins and Hawker respectively. Richard Neale's extra pace was too much for the tail and he dismissed Evans for six and Clifford for ten to leave Alvechurch all out for 99. Francis took 3 for 31 and Jenkins 3 for 20.

Malvern Ramblers obtained 24 and so avoided relegation, and Alvechurch 4 points.

On Saturday (tomorrow) Malvern Ramblers 1st XI are away to Barnards Green with players to meet at 12 noon. Malvern Ramblers 2nd XI, who are at home, have their match sponsored by Three of a Kind.

Malvern Ramblers are sponsored by Crusader Sports.