WORCESTER Nomads enjoyed a sound start to life in Crusader Worcestershire League Division One with a comfortable eight-wicket win over Eastnor.

The visitors made a bright start on a benign batting track but soon began to lose wickets.

Trevor Fabien, Neil Thompson, Geoff Taylor and Blake Raymond all took two each in Eastnor's 148 all out.

Only ex-Derby County footballer Steve Emery showed much resistance with a bold 43 but he fell to the guile of Derek Austin.

But Austin was less successful with the bat and soon fell to the pace of Shahid.

However, Simon Harris and Malcolm Jones patiently built a reply and approached the target.

Jones shuffled across his stumps and was out lbw but the impressive Harris (61 not out) went on to help achieve victory.

On Sunday, Nomads lost the toss and were made to bat against Malvern in a 35-over match.

Taylor (11), James Smith (12) and Dave Finbow (10) departed to leave them on 45-3.

But Jones (43) and William Beazley (15) lifted Nomads with a 60-run stand before Alan Mason (13no) pushed Nomads on to 146-7.

Steve Whittaker (2-26) and Mark Baugh (2-18) were the pick of the Malvern bowlers.

In reply, Malvern did well with Cullen (14) and Arnold (26) putting on 45 for the first wicket.

Nomads picked up a few wickets and slowed the run-rate down with Jones bowling five overs for 10 runs and Taylor picking up 2-30.

Rob Francis (48no) and Evans (23) put on a good partnership and the former hit seven off the last over for victory.