AFTER the euphoria of an opening league win the previous week, Evesham were brought crashing down to earth with a narrow reverse at Malvern.

Runs were hard to come by all afternoon but Evesham ought to have capitalised on the steady start given to them by Jon Gregory (33) and Barry Clements (46).

Three ducks in the middle order left them struggling to get past three figures but Simon Cadwallader (21) and Mike Massingham added late runs in a modest total of 147.

The latter then again impressed with the ball but a solid Ramblers' middle order capitalised on Bough's 37 at the top of the reply.

Evesham though, were still in with a chance only for Mitchell to hit an unbeaten 21 to steer the hosts to a two-wicket win in the 52nd over.

The second string also failed to reap the benefit of a good start on a green and lively track at Avon Street.

Will Bailey and Gareth Moorman buckled down after being asked to bat first but only Matt Jackson and George Nava were able to add substantial scores as the other seven batsmen mustered a mere nine runs between them.

Nava justified his senior selection and a call from the county under-12 squad with an impressive 21.

Malvern didn't fare much better as Alan Pitcher caused endless problems but not even a spell of 6-46 could help Evesham's victory quest and the visitors scraped home with their penultimate pair at the crease.

Youngsters were again to the fore but the third team lost by 69 runs against Amblecote and Wollaston.

John Niblett took 3-46 and a draw seemed on the cards when Steve Tomkotowicz and Arnie Hyde joined forces but their departure left David Snell standing a lone guard as the tail collapsed.

It didn't get any better for the club in Sunday's opening Worcestershire League outing despite a total of 207 with Clements (64) and Gary Lewis (46) in top form.

However, an unbeaten 79 from Pearman steered Old Elizabethans to a five-wicket win.

Evesham Henricians did savour success thanks to the excellent efforts of Lewis Stacy and Mark Jennings.

The former took 8-42 as DFU were all out for 150 but 69 from Jennings helped steer Evesham home.