THIRD-placed West Malvern remain in the hunt for promotion in Worcestershire League Division Four as they thumped Hallow by eight wickets.

Will Jones took 3-17 while Rowan Dakin claimed the two crucial wickets of Neil Strange (46) and Ross Williams (45) as the visitors were restricted to 141-9 off their 50 overs.

Will Lloyd then top scored with 76 not out as the home side ran out comfortable winners to keep them on the coattails of Hanley Castle and Upton and leaders Bromsgrove.

With both sides relishing the prospect of a run-fest on a flat looking pitch, visiting captain Strange had no hesitation in choosing to bat. But after a handful of overs he may well have been ruing that decision as Fergus Neve and Will Jones ripped through the top order.

Neve was first to strike as Dave Pugh played on for a duck and then Jones picked up the wickets of Rob Bawden and Greg Fowler (5).

With his three main batters back in the pavilion it was left to Strange and his youthful partner Williams to build an innings.

The pair put on 95 for the fourth wicket seeing off Jones and Neve before frustrating change bowlers Arthur Jones and Kuperan Yoganathan.

After drinks, Dakin dislodged Strange as his attempted cut was superbly held by Neve.

In Dakin’s next over Williams too was dismissed, caught by Jones.

Matt Penkoks rattled Chris Whitenbury’s stumps to leave Hallow on 118-6. The away side battled, but Shaun Nunns had no answer to Sam Beaumont’s yorker.

Jones bowled Liam Wylde (6) and Neve removed Luke Taylor (1) before Colin and Alex Stratford saw out the remainder of the innings.

In reply, runs were flowing for West despite the best efforts of Alex Stratford.

Whitenbury and Colin Stratford were harshly treated, but the latter managed to remove Chaundy for 25.

Arthur Jones joined Lloyd at 66-1 and the fireworks continued.

Lloyd rode his luck at times, but he was also a joy to watch as he reached his 50. Jones (26) was bowled by Wylde but the game was as good as won when Brian Levings arrived at the crease at 122-2.

And it was all over in the 22nd as Wylde overstepped and a no-ball was called to cement victory.

West visit Stourport thirds on Saturday (noon).

West Malvern thumped Hallow by seven wickets in Worcestershire League Division Four Second XI.

Hosts Hallow won the toss and elected to bat first, but they were immediately under pressure as Charles Avery trapped Michael Anning lbw.

Phill Ching capitalised on any scoring opportunity, but his batting partners succumbed to a number of ill-judged shots against good bowling. 

John Owens took 4-10 while Avery, Neil Warne and Sam Nicklin each bagged a brace of wickets as West skittled Hallow for 75 in less than 25 overs. 

In reply the visitors found themselves on 14-2 and then 43-3 as opener Robin Lloyd fell for 12.

But Stuart Jones (18) and Joe Kyte (16) combined to steer West to a comfortable victory.