MALVERN Ramblers entertained Feckenham in their Worcestershire County League Division Two match on Saturday and recorded a vital three wicket win.

MALVERN RAMBLERS v FECKENHAM

Feckenham batted first and almost immediately lost Adshead. This brought South African Roos to the wicket and he immediately went on the attack and looked set for a big score until he was well caught by Paul Young off the wily veteran Gordon Hawker.

Cockrell and Monk batted sensibly to take the score past three figures but a final total of 158 looked achievable for Malvern.

All Malvern bowlers again bowled excellently. Rob Francis yet again taking five wickets, which brought his total to 50 for the league season as well as taking three fine catches. Neil Thompson with his mixture of seam and spin returned excellent figures of 3-50 off 19 overs.

While Hawker's spell slowed the run rate down, Malvern again fielded keenly, particular mention must go to 15-year old debutante Andrew Cullen who gave a superb performance in the field.

Malvern had a poor start for the first time in many weeks and at 20-3, things did not look especially bright.

However, Mark Baugh and Sam Peachey steadied the innings until Peachey was dismissed at 50-4. Runs were hard to come by at this point in the innings, so Thompson promoted Hawker and the tactic worked brilliantly.

Baugh and Hawker added 50 runs in quick time to put Malvern back on top. Baugh especially severe on anything pitched up while Hawker played some wonderful shots over mid wicket. Baugh finally fell for a very good 63 and the game was still in the balance.

Rob Francis played an excellent cameo innings of 22, which included probably the biggest six ever seen at Regency Road. However the introduction of Adshead proved Francis's downfall and Rambler's still needed 35 off 7 overs. David Arnold and Thompson used all their experience in pushing singles and hitting the bad ball to clinch the game with a vital partnership and gave Malvern, a much needed 20 points.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Malvern Ramblers entertain promotion chasing, Romsley & Hunnington (1.30pm).

Ramblers would like to thank Malvern Electrical Wholesalers for their sponsorship of the match against Feckenham.