MALVERN Ramblers travelled to Evesham on Saturday for this Worcester County League Division Two match and came away rueing the weather in a rain-effected game.

EVESHAM v MALVERN RAMBLERS

Malvern captain Neil Thompson lost the toss and the home side had no hesitation in asking the visitors to bat on a very green wicket.

However, Ramblers enjoyed another fine start, Adam Dovey and Mark Baugh putting on 46 for the first wicket in 15 overs.

Dovey, very strong through the off side, Baugh especially good around mid wicket. Stephen Carter, troubled by an injury didn't last long and at 66-3, the rain came and it appeared to curtail the game.

The game was soon able to restart but Ramblers' batsmen were severely penalised as the game was reduced from 50 overs to 37 overs, leaving them only 11 more overs to bat.

Neil Thompson played a superb innings in the circumstances, mixing good running between the wickets, particularly with David Arnold, and some fine shot over the fielders to finish on 26 not out and Ramblers 122, a very fine effort.

In reply Evesham lost an early wicket, but Clements and Lewis consolidated, before a couple more wickets fell and Evesham began to panic.

With Rob Francis and Neil Thompson bowling superbly a Ramblers victory seemed probable but the rains came again, this time far heavier and the game had to be abandoned as a draw.

This was an excellent team effort by Ramblers and should put them in good heart for some very tough matches ahead.

Ramblers would like to thank 3 of a Kind for their sponsorship.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Malvern Ramblers are at home to Feckenham, with the earlier starting time of 1.30pm.