MALVERN’S first match of 2014 hangs in the balance at 2½-2½ during a hard-fought Worcestershire League Division One match against Kidderminster firsts.

Ian Clarke and Matthew Jordan both had small advantages at Manor Park, which were insufficient for a win, and Leigh Canham’s game always appeared wellbalanced.

Although Geoffrey Herbert lost to a well-played attack, John Knee won a fine positional game to level the scores. Brian Turner’s game was unfinished with Malvern having some winning chances on resumption.