Stourbridge 225-8, Malvern 159 all out.

MALVERN entertained Stourbridge and were well beaten in their Crusader Worcestershire League Division One clash.

Malvern captain Anthony Arnold won the toss and invited the visitors to bat.

An excellent spell of new-ball bowling from Thomas Poole and James Whitecross meant Stourbridge did not get off to a flying start.

Arnold then introduced young leg spinner Tom Hale and the move immediately paid dividends as he claimed the wicket of Josh Banks. Hale continued to bowl with great control and ended with impressive figures of 5-71 as Stourbridge managed 225-8.

It was an excellent bowling effort by Malvern’s young side and looks good for the future.

Malvern needed a good start, unfortunately they didn’t get one as Oli Bendall was dismissed early in the innings, then Huw Dimond and Luke Halion put together a good partnership until Dimond fell.

Halion was in sublime form, stroking the ball to all parts of the ground. But a dubious leg before decision accounted for him and Stourbridge regained the initiative.

Andrew Cullen continued his recent good form and it seemed he might be the man to take Malvern to victory but a breathtaking catch by Oliver Hill ended his innings and, when Steven Carter and Mark Baugh were dismissed in quick succession, any hopes of a victory disappeared.

There was some enterprising batting at the end from youngsters Chris Bridges, Whitecross and Hale but Stourbridge claimed the win to leave Malvern still very much in a relegation fight.