MALVERN registered their first win of the season on Saturday beating Cookley by 57 runs with a tremendous all round team performance.

COOKLEY I v MALVERN I

Malvern were invited to bat and quickly lost both openers. Luke Halion and Paul Young both produced a couple of classy cameos, before falling in quick succession to reduce Malvern to 57-4 with the innings at a crucial point.

Mark Baugh and Matt Cross then effected a superb 109 run partnership, which swung the game in Malvern's favour. Cross scored an excellent 57 (eight 4s), his first 50 for the club, playing shots all round the wicket. Baugh also passed 50 (one 6 and six 4s) in the 45th final and final over to leave Malvern on 180-5, which was a fine effort.

Neil Thompson immediately made inroads into the Cookley innings but despite a very promising spell by Jonny Dovey, Cookley were never behind the run rate.

Malvern captain David Arnold shrewdly kept rotating his bowlers but it was the introduction of Young that prove decisive. He immediately accounted for top scorer Shewry and then maintained a faultless line and length that was perfect for the wicket, to finish with 6-19 from 13 overs which included seven maidens.

There was a little resistance at the end but just as it seemed Cookley may hold out for a draw, skipper Arnold brought Jeremy Lee into the attack. Lee, who had earlier bowled a tremendous spell but with no luck, finally picked up a deserved wicket when he had Andy Parker well caught by Cross, one of three catches taken by the young Australian.

A good win, Malvern's ground fielding particularly eye catching. Because most other games fell victim to the weather, Malvern's 24 points rocketed them up the table to fourth.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Malvern travel to Worcester Nomads, who always provide a stern test.