MALVERN returned to winning ways with a win over high-flying Netherton in an absorbing WCL division two encounter at Regency Road.

MALVERN v NETHERTON

Malvern captain David Arnold again lost the toss and Netherton skipper Mark Cloyston had no hesitation in putting Malvern in.

Arnold and Mark Baugh both looked in good form until falling to the impressive Jeavons.

David Cox and Rob Francis put together a useful stand until Francis fell foul. Cox continued to play some elegant shots all round the wicket until he fell for a fine 49. Adam Dovey maintained his excellent early season form with a responsive 62, Jeremy Lee played some sublime shots in his classy little cameo and Tom Poole smashed the ball to all parts of the ground in his stay, all of which added up to an impressive effort of 258.

Francis quickly made inroads into the Netherton reply, but a partnership between Oseland and Harris steadied the visitors. Jeremy Lee accounted for Harris, this brought Troy Lee to the wicket and with Oseland, he produced a partnership that took Netherton, more through hard work, to their target.

Arnold shrewdly introduced Steven Carter into the attack and was immediately rewarded with the wicket of Oseland, Carter taking a superb catch off his own bowling.

A couple of quick wickets fell but Lee and Jeavons took the visitors to within sight of victory and at 220-5 with eight overs to go, Malvern were in deep trouble. Jonny Dovey bowled a fine spell to push the run-rate up, but wickets were needed if Malvern were to win.

Arnold turned to his most experienced bowlers in Francis and Lee. Francis then took two wickets in an over, a brilliant catch in the deep by Jeremy Lee turned the game Malvern's way. Lee trapped Abbott in the 48th over to put Malvern in sight of victory and then a brilliant full-length diving catch by Arnold to dismiss Jeavons meant Malvern came away with a maximum 24 points.

Francis, yet another five wicket haul and Lee, a vital three wickets, the most successful bowlers.