MALVERN Artefacts lost their Worcester Evening League division three game by 50 runs to a strong Crowle side.

CROWLE v MALVERN ARTEFACTS

After inserting the home side on a wet green pitch, the Malvern side started poorly, bowling too many short pitched deliveries, all of which were pulled towards the leg side boundary.

Sean Jones (44) and John Pruddey (26) took full advantage of the Malvern side's generosity as they added 46 runs for the second wicket.

Further acceleration came from Darren Freeman (28) playing his second game in three years, as the home side amassed 138 runs in just 12 eight ball overs.

Julian Done was once again the Artefacts' most economical bowler, but even he was below his normal best.

In reply, the Malvern-based side needed a good solid start, and they got this with the ever-dependable Derek Street (23) and Ian Walwyn (16), who put on 45 runs for the first wicket.

However, after their departure, a total collapse in batting put paid to any thoughts of victory.

It was left to Jamie Drew (23no) to nurse the tail as the innings fizzled out at 88-8.

Dave Jessop (3-18) was the star of the bowling attack being ably supported by Steve Tunley (2-17).