MALVERN were narrowly defeated on Saturday by Belbroughton in a closely-fought WCL division two encounter.

MALVERN v BELBROUGHTON

Belbroughton totalled 196-6, although there were superb bowling efforts by pace-men Jeremy Lee and Tom Poole. Anthony Arnold bowled an important spell and Steven Carter's improving off-spin tightened a grip around the home side's batting.

Malvern fielded well and there were fine catches from Halion and Cullen.

In reply, David Arnold and Mark Baugh put on 46 for the first wicket when Arnold trod on his stumps. Ollie Bendall produced an unforgettable ten-ball innings of 27 which included three 6s before he too was out in freakish fashion, deflecting a ball off his boot onto leg stump.

Baugh was batting well and at 90-3, Malvern looked in control. Farmer accounted for Baugh and Malvern collapsed to leg-spinner Pardoe and finished 16 runs short in a game they should have won.