MALVERN Ramblers Firsts entertained Worcester Nomads on Saturday on a day when the game was nearly called off for a wet wicket and outfield.

MALVERN RAMBLERS v WORCESTER NOMADS

Paul Young won the toss and put the visitors in to bat.

Lakin was dismissed early on by Francis for two the Watkins helped Jones add 31 for the second wicket until he was caught by Anthony Arnold off the same bowler for 12. On a wicket giving assistance to the bowler Jones never looked in any trouble and punished any loose deliveries and with Rees he added 63 for the third wicket.

Hawker then had Rees caught for 19, Leach was dismissed by Thompson for two and Jones was eventually caught in the deep off Hawker for an excellent 80. With Kelly out for six Nomads were 137 for 6 off 39 overs.

Steve Bowman came to the wicket and started to smash the ball around and added 40 with Ian Bowman, 22 with Fardon and 26 with Jinks. Nomads finished on 225 for 8 with Steve Bowman undefeated on 62 including five 6's and four 4's. Francis was Malvern's most successful bowler with 4-50.

In reply Malvern lost early wickets, four to Young off spinner Fardon and two to the left arm pace of Steven Bowman to leave them on 36 for 6. Mark Baugh dug in and he found a useful ally in Adam Dovey who was one of only two batsmen to reach double figures. Dovey was eventually out to Bowman for 35 after adding 45 with Baugh for the seventh wicket.

Try as they did, Nomads were unable to dismiss Baugh, who batted 32 overs for his undefeated eight to gain Malvern what could be a precious two points.

Malvern finished on 93-9 from their 50 overs. Bowman took 4-25 and Fardon 4-19.

Nomads obtained 16 points and Ramblers 5 points.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Malvern Ramblers are away to Stourport with players to meet on 11.45am.

Malvern Ramblers are sponsored by Crusader Sports. Match sponsor was 'Nibblybits' Worcester.