MALVERN Ramblers II team travelled up to the top of the Table Lye II on Saturday and, upon winning the toss, Malvern Ramblers' captain, Chris Francis, elected to field.

LYE II v MALVERN RAMBLERS II

Richard Bird and Paul Jauncey opened the bowling, both causing problems for the Lye batsmen, Jauncey bowling opener Beynon for 17, but with a short boundary and fast outfield spinners Francis and Besgrove then entered the attack.

Bird took an excellent catch off Francis but Francis failed to make any more impact. However, Besgrove at the other end bowled an excellent line to take five wickets, helped by youngster Dennis picking one up the other end. Lye closed on 257-8 off 50 overs.

Ramblers' opening batsman injured his back whilst fielding so Jauncey became a makeshift opener and smashed a quickfire 33 with just one single and eight fours.

Hooper and Sawle looked the best of Ramblers' middle order.

Cooper again pushed up the order to four, got an excellent 26 and Sawle, playing his best innings for the seconds, got 42. Other wickets fell cheaply and with 10 overs to go Lye looked to be cruising to victory, needing just one more wicket.

Under-14 batsman, Paul Dovey, had other ideas, partnered by injured dad Ian, he batted out the last ten overs managing to pick up an excellent 23no to hold Lye to a draw.

Ramblers are sponsored by Crusader Sport & Leisure (Worcester).