THE Fossils season ended with a one-wicket win over West Malvern.

They tasted victory in 14 out of 39 games, finishing off against strong Worcestershire opposition.

Fossils’ last pair put on 31 runs from six overs to win with four balls left. Batting first in a gale-force wind, West Malvern’s Steve Wright (41) and Tony Williams (33) put on 79 runs in 10 overs before Colin Groves bowled the latter.

Jim Herod (19) kept the pressure on and, although Malcolm Jones removed Kevin Gilbert for a duck, Bill Lloyd (20) and Sid Jones (23) kept the West innings going.

Derek Ebbage (29 not out) played well but Fossils’ Graham Thorne stepped into the limelight by taking a hat-trick, all clean bowled.

Thorne and Malcolm Jones (3-16) changed the game as West declared on 218-9 from 34 overs.

Malcolm Jones opened for the Fossils and hit 71no, including eight fours and two sixes. Dick Brown (13), Barry Briscoe (16) and Bob Rogers (15) kept the pot boiling for Fossils but Thorne (35) again took the honours.

Captain John Reynolds joined Malcolm Jones and they ran well to ensure victory before the rain came down.