WORCESTER'S Old Vigornians lost to West Malvern in an entertaining friendly by 15 runs at New Road despite 16-year-old Max Richardson's fine show.

OVs captain Alex Parker decided to play on after heavy overnight rain and with a dreadful forecast.

The match was eventually only interrupted by two brief showers and reduced to 35 overs per side.

West owed their 191-9 to 79 by Fergus Neve who was supported in partnerships of 59 and 66 for the fourth and fifth wickets by Joe Bird (34) and Will Lloyd (26) respectively.

Richardson took 4-32 from seven overs, off-spinner Dom Lee 3-36 and 14-year-old Sami Riaz 1-25.

Wicketkeeper Dan Wheeler picked up three catches. 

Parker got the reply off to a rapid start with four sixes and two fours in a quick 40 but after he and Richard Cook (26) were dismissed OVs got stuck against accurate bowling.

Martin Jones claimed 3-24 from seven overs.

In 15 overs in the middle of the innings OVs only added 47 runs. 

Richardson upped the run-rate with 46 not out for his highest score for the club.

He added 46 in four overs with Zain Hussain (11) but OVs fell short on 176-9.