Netherton 131 all out, West Malvern 132-2.

WEST Malvern are fourth in Worcestershire League Division Six following an eight-wicket triumph over Netherton.

Netherton won the toss and elected to bat first and were skittled out for 131 from 39 overs.

Opener Ashan Zaman top-scored for his side with 32 as Rowan Dakin tore through his side’s batting line-up with 6-35 from his 11-over spell.

Peter O’Connell, Matthew Gammon, Alex Hall and Fred Walker took one wicket apiece.

In reply, it took West Malvern just 16 overs to reach their target as they scored 132-2.

Glenn Collins finished unbeaten on 68, while Steve Wright (27) and Brian Pleass (7) were the two West Malvern wickets to fall.

West Malvern seconds had to settle for a losing draw with Stourport in Worcestershire League Division Eight.

John Owens had put the Wests in a strong position, taking 6-30 in a devastating spell after Jesse Blackburn and Simon Wood had caused the upper order a few problems on a flat pitch.

Pete Harrison top-scored with a patient 64 for the visitors, he eventually became Owens’ fifth victim edging to Tim Maccormac.

The Stourport tail wagged to good effect, but fine catches by Owens and Kevin Gilbert cut short their innings at 181.

Tony Williams and Bill Wood again started solidly but both fell in the eighth over.

Leston Blackburn plundered 36 and, while he and Joseph Bird (20) remained at the crease, it seemed the home side were favourites.

First change bowler Robert Pittaway, from the Court end, broke through and claimed both batsmen and the wicket of Maccormac.

Skipper Jeff Barnes and Tom Taylor looked to steady the innings, but progress against Ian Delo was difficult. His accuracy and pace accounted for them both.

The game was slipping away but Gilbert had other ideas as he went on the offensive, striking boundaries off Kevin Hughes.

But, as wickets fell, he batted out the final over to avoid defeat and finish on 32.

An innings of 64 from Collins was enough to guided West Malvern’s Sunday side to a five-wicket friendly win over Bredon.

Batting first, Bredon made 196-8, while Wests fired 197-5 in reply.