MALVERN’S nightmare Worcestershire Cricket League Division Three start continued with a nine-wicket thrashing at Alveley.

The hosts invited Malvern to take first hit on an excellent batting wicket and the move paid dividends as Rhys Humm was out first ball.

Luke Halion looked in good form until he fell for 10 before Richard Cullen and skipper Anthony Arnold put together a good partnership, making use of the lightning outfield.

Cullen was dismissed for a useful 29 but David Cox fell to a good catch and Mark Baugh followed, trapped lbw as wickets tumbled.

Opener Arnold (54) reached his half-century in the 34th over and looked set for a big score until he was involved in a mix-up. Owais Shah hit out effectively for 21 but Malvern’s total of 158 all out from 40.5 overs looked well short given the conditions.

Waqar Orakzai opened the batting for Alveley and played glorious shots to all parts of the ground before falling for 72 to Andrew Croft.

Will Rodenhurst (58 not out) duly brought up his half-century as the home side ran out convincing winners in the 25th over.

Meanwhile, Malvern seconds celebrated their first Division Three win of the campaign with an excellent team display at Regency Road.

Alveley batted first on a superb batting wicket and scored at a quick rate, making 211 before being bowled out in the 39th over. Skipper Mike Berry rotated Malvern’s bowlers with the most successful being Chris Bridges (4-55), Kieran Smith (3-28) and Ian Hughes (2- 57).

Malvern’s innings started badly with Smith going without scoring but veterans David Sharp (18) and Ian Walwyn steadied the innings.

Charlie Heritage added a useful 17 and Walwyn continued his consistent start with 29 before Bridges took control of the contest with a magnificent unbeaten 118.

Jake Powell (15no) added sensible support as Malvern claimed a valuable win.

The thirds lost by eight wickets to their Worcester counterparts in Division Eight.