MALVERN travelled to Oldswinford for the first WCL Division Two league game of the season and came away with nine points from a deserved draw.

OLDSWINFORD v MALVERN

Malvern, fielding a weakened team, won the toss and skipper Steven Carter invited the home side to bat.

Rob Francis claimed an early wicket but then Oldswinford began to assume control with Law in excellent form hitting a classy 83 before being bowled by Mark Cox. Oldswinford continued to score freely and finished on 239. Cox and Francis both took four wickets apiece, with young spinner Mark Hooper also claiming two wickets after an excellent spell.

All of Malvern's fielders contributed something, Mark Baugh taking a fine diving catch and Dave Arnold's brilliant one-handed catch were the highlights.

Malvern lost an early wicket but Carter and Baugh steadied the innings, Carter in particular looked in good form until he played on.

Rob Francis came to the wicket and immediately showed his class with a fine cover drive for four. Baugh and Francis added 79 for the third wicket, most of Francis' runs coming in boundaries with three massive sixes and six boundaries, before he fell for an excellent 62.

Baugh finally fell for a battling 33 but Mark Mitchell with a superb innings of 42no and Cox a useful dozen runs ensured Malvern did not lose.

A fine effort given that Malvern were without some established players and had the worst of the batting and fielding conditions.