MALVERN Seconds lost the toss in this Crusader WCL Division Two second XIs match and were put in to bat first.

MALVERN II v BROCKHAMPTON II

Ian Walwyn and D Cox had no trouble racing to an opening partnership of 93. The introduction of spin was the undoing of Cox as he misjudged a drive and was caught and bowled by Jacobs for 34. R Cullen and M Cox both reached double figures but failed to go on.

Once Walwyn passed 50 he began to score runs all around the wicket with exquisite timing, including four massive sixes. He went to his 100 with a boundary and then really began to cut loose taking the Brockhampton attack apart.

Finally, he was bowled by Jennings for a triumphant 134. Bird and Sumner batted well taking the total up to 268 off Malvern's allotted overs.

Brockhampton got off to a terrible start losing the wicket of Parker adjudged lbw for no score from the bowling of Mudway. Jennings departed soon after also for a duck, this time of the bowling of Cunneen. A mini partnership developed between Kyte and Howells, but Cunneen struck again removing Howells for 19.

M Cox took a brilliant reaction catch off his own bowling to get rid of Harper for a useful 28. Then Kyte (48) was caught spectacularly on the boundary by R Cullen, a superb diving catch to his left.

The middle order collapsed and it was left to the tail end to score 140 from 30 overs. Harper and Simpson grew in confidence as they tried to put together a last wicket stand. Some of the fielders' heads began to drop as Brockhampton edged closer and closer to the total.

Malvern turned to Mudway, their most experienced bowler, and he didn't disappoint. He bowled Harper for a battling 55. Simpson remained unbeaten on 29 and Malvern won by 43 runs. Mark Cox was the pick of the bowlers finishing up with 4-33 and Ian Walwyn was the man of the match with his sparkling century.

Malvern have now won three in a row and can make a late challenge for the championship.