MALVERN Ramblers 1sts enjoyed a much needed win over bottom of the WCL division two table Stourport, to ease their relegation worries.

STOURPORT 1STS v MALVERN RAMBLERS 1STS

Stourport won the toss and put Malvern in to bat on a wet wicket. Mark Baugh was restored to opener with Richard Neale and whilst Malvern had a steady start they more importantly did not lose early wickets as is customary.

Baugh was out in the tenth over for five and with the score at 16-1 captain Paul Young came to the wicket. For the next three or four overs the ball was still seaming around and Young played and missed against Plat on several occasions. Platt was replaced by Delo and with this change the complexion of the innings altered drastically.

Both Neale and Young began to score freely and were severe on anything short. Young was first to reach his 50, then Neale followed a few overs later. The partnership realised 158, then Neale was caught by Lane off Williams for a fine 69. Francis was run out two overs later for ten and then Young reached his century with a single off Allen. Looking to accelerate even more Young was caught right on the boundary for an excellent 101. Carter (32) and Anthony Arnold (32) the added a quick fire 50 to leave Malvern on 274 for 6 off 48 overs.

In reply, Stourport were never in the hunt, needing five and a half runs per over. Thompson and Francis destroyed Stourport's early batting leaving them 40 for 6. The lower order showed the main batsmen how to do it with Allen (34), Williams (21), Cook (24no) and Goddard (15). Stourport were eventually dismissed for 156, to give malvern victory by 118 runs. Malvern obtained 24 points and Stourport 4 points.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Malvern are at home to Alvechurch & Hopwood, players meet ground 12.30pm.

Malvern Ramblers are sponsored by Crusader Sports.