MALVERN Ramblers played hosts to Eastnor in a first XI Worcestershire League Division Two league match on Saturday.

MALVERN RAMBLERS 1ST XI v EASTNOR 1ST XI

With only two of the three covers working and the fall of rain in the morning, the toss was crucial and unfortunately for Malvern, Eastnor's captain won and he put Ramblers in to bat.

The wicket appeared lively with the first two balls from Hitchings taking off over the batsmen's shoulders. A mix up in the second over saw Jenkins run out for a duck.

Peachey was then caught off the glove off Hitchings for three and Francis caught off Arshad for one. Anthony Arnold was bowled by Hitchings for 14 and Steve Carter was caught off the same bowler for 13 which left Malvern on 30, with Young (20) looking in good form until he was out to a brilliant ball from Hitchings which took off and nicked the glove to be caught behind. Thompson soon followed for nought and Dave Arnold made seven and Gordon Hawker five.

Mark Baugh, who looked to be undefeated for the third match in a row, was in fact the last out for 21 with Malvern finishing on 104 all out. Hitchings took five for 55 from 21 overs.

With the wicket easing, Eastnor made relative light work of reaching their target, although Nick Bollen (16) had to retire after being hit in the face by a Francis delivery. Fortey made 13 and veteran Jim Sandford finished undefeated on 38 with Eastnor winning by eight wickets.

Eastnor obtained 20 points and Malvern no points.

On Saturday (tomorrow) Malvern Ramblers are away to Feckenham with players to meet at the ground at 12.30pm.

Malvern Ramblers are sponsored by Crusader Sports.