TOP of the Worcestershire Cricket League division two table Bromyard Firsts visited Regency Road on Saturday looking to continue their excellent start to the season.

MALVERN RAMBLERS 1ST XI v BROMYARD 1ST XI

Malvern's captain Paul Young won the toss and elected to field first. The dangerous Ashley Bullock was the first wicket to go down bowled by Thompson for seven.

A mix up between Bowler and Oliver saw the former run out by Ray Evans for three and then Anthony Arnold took two wickets in as many balls, Oliver for 12 and Johnstone for nought, to leave Bromyard on 30 for 4 from 20 overs.

Mat Bullock who was dropped on nought, was joined by Aussie Neil Holmes and they started to score with some freedom. The partnership realised 93 in 19 overs until the returning Francis accounted for Holmes for a well struck 51.

Mat Bullock, who was ably assisted by Cook (15) and Hine (25), saw the score to 197 for 8 off their allotted 50 overs, with Bullock undefeated on 68.

In reply Malvern lost the early wickets of the Arnold brothers, Anthony for four and Dave for a duck.

Young (10) and Francis (15) followed soon after leaving Malvern 30 for 4 off 10 overs.

Baugh and Peachey added 31 for the fifth wicket until the latter was caught off Hine for 18. With Mitchell falling for six and Carter for three, Malvern still had to bat out 17 overs with only three wickets remaining.

The reliable Baugh and Thompson seemed to have everything under control, when the latter was caught off a half-volley for ten.

Evans was dismissed by the returning Golding for nought which left Baugh and Hawker to see out the remaining nine balls for a losing draw with Malvern finishing on 107 for 9 off their 50 overs with Baugh batting for 40 overs for his extremely dogged 19.

Malvern obtained five points and Bromyard 15 points.

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

Thanks once again to Malvern Ramblers' sponsor Crusader Sports.