MALVERN slipped to a disappointing six-wicket defeat at Belbroughton on Saturday in this WCL division two game.

BELBROUGHTON v MALVERN

Malvern batted first and made a bright start before losing Adam Dovey with 32 on the board. Mark Baugh and Ollie Bendall added 68 for the second wicket before Baugh was out for 23.

Ollie Bendall fell for 42, another fine contribution. Rob Francis smashed a quick-fire 55 to confirm he is back to his belligerent best. Jeremy Lee and Steven Carter both made useful 20s and Malvern closed on 257, a good score but the fact they were bowled out in 46 overs meant the home side had an extra four overs.

Belbroughton made a rapid beginning with skipper Dave Hayward in particularly fine form. A couple of wickets fell with 100 on the board but Matt Pardoe and Hayward put together a match-winning stand, though they both gave chances but Malvern could not hold on to them.

Hayward reached an excellent 100 before Lee claimed his wicket, Malvern continued to press but the home side ran out winners by six wickets. None of Malvern's bowlers enjoyed much luck on the day.

Tomorrow (Saturday), Malvern entertain Harborne, another must win clash in a very tight division.