THREE wickets tumbled in the final over as Ramblers fell three runs short of victory in this Worcestershire County League division two game at Regency Road on Saturday.

MALVERN RAMBLERS v LYE

Lye's captain, Ian Tonks, won the toss and elected to bat on a good looking wicket. Ishtiaq, who batted very slowly, and Benson, added 58 for the first wicket in 21 overs. Benson was, however, not given out caught behind when he clearly leg glanced Francis to wicket-keeper Dave Arnold and this incensed Malvern's players and supporters alike.

Ishtiaq was the first out caught off Jenkins for 12. Thompson had Lynch caught behind next over for 1. Benson was eventually caught by Anthony Arnold off the returning Francis for 49.

With the introduction of Hawker and the excellent Francis, Lye went from 96-2 to 111-8.

Whitehouse and Borley added 26 for the 10th wicket off the last three overs to leave Lye on 150-9 off their allotted 50 overs.

Francis took 4-25 from 16 overs and Hawker 3-40.

In reply, Malvern lost Anthony Arnold (5) and Richard Neale (16) both to pull shots off Whitehouse. Steve Carter was brilliantly caught at gully by Ishtiaq off Lyttle for 4 and Rob Francis was bowled by Borley for 15 to leave Malvern 47-4 off 15 overs.

The introduction of the unplayable off spin of Ishtiaq added further pressure on Malvern with Baugh (5), Thompson (2) and Adam Dovey (1) all falling to that bowler. Les Jenkins, coming in at number 9, then added a superb 60 with Paul Young for the 8th wicket to leave Malvern just requiring three runs from the last over.

This last over, however, was to be bowled by Ishtiaq and what unfortunate drama followed with Young caught second ball for a fine 47, Jenkins caught next ball for 40 and Hawker bowled 5th ball for a duck to leave Malvern agonisingly all out for 148.

Ishtiaq took 6-36 off 18.5 overs. Lye obtained 24 points and Malvern Ramblers 5 points.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Ramblers are at home to Worcester Nomads with players to meet at 1pm.

Ramblers are sponsored by Crusader Sports.