MALVERN suffered a disappointing defeat against basement club Lye in their Worcester County League Division Two match on Saturday at Regency Road.

MALVERN v LYE

Openers Adam Dovey and Mark Baugh both fell to the faintest of nicks and when Ollie Bendall was bowled, Malvern were struggling at 30-3.

Captain Luke Halion looked in prime form with some classy shots all around the wicket until he was unusually bowled via his boot for 36. The middle order attempted to rescue the situation but only Rob Francis, coming back to form with 32, made any significant contribution.

Charlie Heritage batted sensibly in a last wicket partnership with Francis but Malvern's total of 140 was not good enough.

Tom Poole quickly made inroads into Lye's batting but the experienced Ishtiaq made some useful runs before being trapped lbw by Dovey.

Malvern took wickets at regular intervals and at 97-6 were probably looking favourites but Chris Whitehouse played a captain's innings, taking the visitors to the brink of victory, which was duly completed in the 34th over.

Tomorrow (Saturday), Malvern are away at Hagley.