Malvern Sunday XI v Worcester Dominies

Although a friendly, Malvern were hoping to avenge a narrow defeat at the end of last season, achieved with a six in the final over at Worcester.

Malvern captain Andy Croft won the toss and elected to bat on a hard, flat wicket. Opener Andy Cullen (56) hit shots to all areas, although partner Dave Sharp went for six.

With Ollie Bendall (52), Cullen helped Malvern to 95 from the first 10 overs but with the score passing 150, they began to lose both concentration and wickets.

Dominies played their trump card, young spin bowler Bret D'Olivera, who caused the batsmen a lot of problems. With one wicket and just eight runs in four overs, he built pressure for J Lewis at the other end, who picked up three wickets.

Only Rob Francis managed to put up any real resistance, scoring 37, including a big six.

From 150-4 off 20 overs, Malvern only managed to reach 207 all-out from 35.

Defending a low total, Malvern went on the offensive, Whittaker and Croft both putting in good opening spells, Croft bowling opener Loynes for a duck.

With the introduction of the first-change bowlers, Dominies began to chase the score. Tight bowling from Chris Francis, 14 runs from four overs, and Ollie Bendall, 28 runs from four overs, kept it evenly balanced.

Croft's pace and Rob Francis' spin then ripped through the middle order, the captain taking 3-47 and Francis 4-14.

However, Bret D'Olivera (23no) and captain Mat Gammon (23no) turned the tide, securing a win with three balls to spare.

Malvern CC wish to thank Sunday's match sponsor Automated Packaging Systems.