MALVERN maintained their recent good run of form with a convincing 83-run victory against Stourport.

MALVERN v STOURPORT

Malvern batted first and got off to a sound start with Mark Hooper and Mark Baugh putting on 37 before Hooper departed. Baugh quickly followed to leave Malvern 40-2.

Adam Dovey and Paul Young regained the initiative with a stand of 72 before Dovey departed for another fine contribution, this time scoring 30. Young was again in outstanding form, and a second consecutive century looked achievable until he was run out for an excellent 54.

Rob Francis was run out next ball and at 139-5 the innings threatened to collapse. However, Luke Halion and Dave Arnold stopped the rot, with Halion in particular showing some glorious shots all around the wicket.

Neil Thompson ensured the momentum was maintained and Malvern closed on 215.

Francis, who had represented the league XI earlier in the week, was quickly into his stride, accounting for the first four Stourport wickets with blisteringly fast deliveries.

Thompson as ever provided accurate support and at 36-6 there was no doubting the eventual outcome.

There was a brief stand in mid order but further wickets for Hooper and Tom Poole wrapped up an easy victory.

Francis took another five wickets, and Malvern fielded superbly throughout, the highlight being Thompson's effortless slip catch off Francis.