West Malvern got the new season off to a great start securing an eight-wicket win at Alveley.

The home side chose to bat first on a flat pitch although Pete O’Connell’s full-toss loosener failed to bounce until it had seared through the covers for four.

Things improved for O’Connell a few balls later when Rodenhurst chopped on. The drama continued in Rowan Dakin’s first over when Esterhuizen edged to slip, but Will Lloyd failed to hold on.

Runs then flowed steadily as bowlers struggled to find line and length until Dakin caught and bowled Parkes (18).

Twigg scored a brisk 18 before Dakin broke through his defence. Matt Gammon induced a mistimed drive from Watkins (28) that was well caught by Matt Penkoks.

Mundle’s nervy innings ended when he snicked Gammon to Gilbert for eight.

When Dakin bowled Esterhuizen for 56 the visitors had wrested the initiative and looked to restrict the home side’s score which had until then been on course for somewhere between 250 and 300.

Dakin (4-77), bowling with immaculate rhythm and control, completed his spell trapping Guy (11) leg before. Gammon (3-44) then put Wassell out of his misery.

Connolly (24) smashed to mid-on where Robin Lloyd absorbed the ball before Sam Beaumont wrapped things up when Blaymires’ desperate shot looped to Dakin at cover.

West Malvern were the happier side at tea as they chased 194 for victory. Penkoks was immediately into action hitting 12 off his first three balls from Mundle. He then repeatedly chipped the ball back over the bowler’s head before being caught behind from a fine tickle for 21.

Phil Chaundy and Will Lloyd had passed 50 when skipper Parkes, passing on his keeping duties, came on to bowl and finally broke through causing Lloyd to play on for a solid 52.

By then Chaundy was looking masterful, the loan of Lloyd’s bat increasing his fluency.

Robin Lloyd (11*) joined him, and scoring briskly himself the inevitable victory was achieved in the 43rd over.

Chaundy’s chanceless 85 contained one six and 18 fours. Mundle and Parkes were Alveley’s only wicket takers.