MALVERN ARTEFACTS v RUSHWICK

MALVERN Artefacts visited Rushwick for their Worcester Evening League Division Two game, and were unlucky losers to the weather, when they looked well poised to seal their fourth victory of the season.

However, a mixture of dark clouds, thunder and lightning saw the game called off with just three overs to go.

Rushwick won the toss and chose to take first use of the conditions by electing to bowl. For the Artefacts, opener Jason Brewer (7) looked in good form until he was caught on the leg-side boundary in the second over of the game.

The arrival of Jamie Drew (27) and his partnership with Derek Street (44) took the game away from the home side as they added 72 runs in seven overs. Drew contributed six fours as he drove and pulled the ball to the boundary and he was well matched by Street with his three fours and three sixes. Quick runs by Phil Birch (9) and Ian Walwyn (7) at the end of his innings ensured that the Malvern side earned a valuable batting point as the innings closed on 123-5.

Clive Jones bowled with accuracy and movement and he was rewarded with 4-27, and it was he who was largely responsible for ensuring that the Artefacts score remained competitive. Jones was well supported by G Knight (1-23) who bowled accurately at the start of the innings.

In reply, the Rushwick innings got off to a slow start and their cause was not helped by the early loss of both openers, Wyatt (3) and Long both perishing in the first two overs.

However, this brought together teenager Parker (15) and captain Matt Champion (34) and they put on 36 runs for the third wicket, but the loss of Champion proved crucial as the home side lost momentum and a further two quick wickets, as both Jones (8) and Young (0) came and departed.

The Artefacts were just sensing victory as the score reached 75-6 off nine overs, when the conditions proved too dangerous to continue. All four bowlers used the elements well, Phil Birch (3-13) being the most successful and he was well supported by Martin Jones and Julian Done.

Malvern Artefacts take seven points and Rushwick five.