PHIL Chaundy steered leaders West Malvern to an emphatic eight-wicket victory at Old Elizabethans thirds in Worcestershire League Division Four.

The opener scored 81 not out as West stormed the target of 153 to maintain their unbeaten start. Pete O’Connell and Matt Gammon struck in their first overs.

Anthony Rees (18) and son Angus (60 not out) saw off the new ball and their partnership was worth 62 before Will Jones induced the former to edge to Gammon.

Kevin Gilbert stumped Simon Ward as he looked to attack and skipper Nick Pullen was well caught by Gammon off Matt Penkoks.

Two run-outs tripped up OEs before another stumping for Gilbert off Penkoks (2-25) restricted them to 153-8. David Harris kept Chaundy and Robin Lloyd in check but runs were flowing at the other end.

Lloyd (25) was caught at second slip before Will Lloyd (31) and Chaundy saw off the threat of Harris and steadily accumulated runs.

Although Will Lloyd was caught at slip Joe Bird (7no) helped Chaundy guide them home in 32.4 overs.

A maximum-point victory for Claverley cut West’s lead at the top to 11 points.