MALVERN IIII v AVONCROFT III

MALVERN needed a good win to close the gap on Worcester Nomads, who had regained top spot in the Worcester County League Division Eight after the Regency Road club had had their game cancelled last week due to the weather.

Malvern won the toss and got off to a good start with the opening pair of David and Max Sharp, who put on 62 before David (25) left, having been bowled around his legs. Max however continued to plunder the bowling until he fell for a splendid 69 to a catch on the long-off boundary.

With his departure it was left to Croft (12) and Spicer (13) to guide Malvern through their overs to the respectable score of 186 all out. Rodway (58-4) and Wilkes (35-3) being the pick of the Avoncroft bowlers.

Avoncroft in reply never really got going, Underhill (17) George (11) and Croal (22no) put up some resistance but tight bowling from Smith, Spicer and Croft ensured that they were always behind the run rate and had to take chances.

In so doing Malvern's catching ability was tested, but unlike in previous weeks all five chances were taken, Tom Hughes's reaction in the gully being the highlight.

Captain Charlie Heritage kept his young side focussed with his own inimitable style of oratory between wickets and was not let down. Tom Hale produced another fine spell (9-3) and Max Sharp's 12-2 guaranteed him the man-of-the-match as Avoncroft were dismissed for 97 off 35 overs.