RAMBLERS' skipper Andy Croft won the toss and decided to bat first on a lovely Sunday afternoon.

MALVERN RAMBLERS SUNDAY 2ND XI v BROMSGROVE 2ND XI

Dave Sharp (5) and Richie Cullen (31) put on 32 for the first wicket. Runs were not all that easy to come by but Ramblers expected to get over 200.

Wickets began to fall, a patient 28 by Tom Wells and some hard hitting at the end by Adam Bywater (24 not out) and Andy Croft (17), Ramblers reached 184 for 7 off their 45 overs. But would this be enough to win the game?

Bromsgrove got off to a slow but positive start, the first wicket falling at 60 with Nick Dennis bowling Taylor with a beautiful in swinger.

Adam Dovey came on to bowl and swung the ball both ways deservedly getting two wickets. Bromsgrove opener Hansell was dropped a couple of times before being bowled by Croft for 77 for the first of his two wickets.

In the last few overs, Ramblers tried to bowl tight but could not prevent Bromsgrove getting a couple of edges for four and they reached the total needed of 186 with one over to spare.

A very close game which went on until 8.15pm before the last ball of the game was bowled.

On Sunday, Ramblers 2nd are at home to Omberlsey. If selected, you will be notified.

Ramblers thank their sponsors - Automated Packaging Systems and Infosigns.