BOWLER Matt Brookes destroyed West Malvern with 8-46 for Barnards Green thirds in a Worcestershire Cricket League Division Four derby.

The villagers headed to Newland looking for their first victory of the season but were dismissed for just 96 in 30 overs and lost to their fellow strugglers by five wickets.

Having lost the toss, openers Steve Wright and Bill Wood made a steady start against the swing of Green’s Ian Scullion and Brookes.

Wright was caught by David Sutton at mid-off for eight but Leston Blackburn soon got into his stride.

He hit Brookes for 14 runs in one over but was the only batsman to get to grips with the left armer.

Brookes scythed through the rest, taking eight wickets in his 15 overs before Sutton bowled Blackburn (36) and had Pete O’Connell spectacularly caught by Kevin Ratcliffe.

In reply, Sam Beaumont (3-35) took three wickets in as many overs with two unplayable deliveries hitting the top of off-stump.

Skipper O’Connell (1-36) was rewarded with the wicket of Sutton who holed out to Wright.

Green were reduced to 21-4 by tea but James Marsh and Ratcliffe weathered the storm until Alex Hall had the latter pouched by Blackburn for 25.

However, skipper Dick Brown, having survived an lbw shout, partnered Marsh (35 not out) to their target in the 21st over.

A third straight defeat left West Malvern at the foot of the table and they host Bartestree and Lugwardine tomorrow, while third-from-bottom Green visit Halesowen.

The unbeaten Wests’ seconds narrowly failed to force a Division Five win over Old Elizabethans fourths despite being short-handed.

Jeff Barnes (22) and Chris Marshall (25no) did well but the Blackshaws provided the bulk of the runs with father Roy (41) making a welcome league cricket return and son James adding 48.

Youngster Ollie Rosoman marked his debut with a four to take the Wests to 194-6 from 45 overs. Despite having only nine in the field, they kept a tight rein on OEs who strived for a losing draw and batting points.

In the final over, James Blackshaw (2-24) bowled a tail-ender but the final two batsmen held on to finish on 150-9. John Owens finished with 3-29, ably supported by Joe Bird (1-32) and Marshall (2-36).