MALVERN ARTEFACTS v WORCESTER ACADEMICALS

IMPROVEMENT but no win for Malvern Artefacts, going down by 17 runs in a very tight Worcester Evening League division two game.

Put in, Worcester openers Phil Clarke (15) and teenager Guy Peters (20) putting on 35 for the first wicket before falling in quick succession.

Hamid Ghada (14) steadied the ship but lacked any real support, as Andy Hilditch (0), Martin Willis (10) and David Knot (2) all came and went.

However, James Roberts (17) brought late impetus with some hard-hitting and helped post a commendable 110 off the allotted 12 overs.

All four front-line bowlers played well, Julian Done (2-23) again impressive and well-supported by Dave Asquith, 2-25 in just his second game of the season. Julian Hall chipped in with 2-26 and Chris Burton with 2-36.

In reply, Malvern's intentions were clear from the start with Derek Street hitting the first ball for four.

However, they lost the dependable Ian Walwyn for nought and then Stuart McGann's good work ended when he dragged one from medium-pacer Hawkins onto the stumps for 15.

The innings was then largely left to Street (49, nine fours) until he was third man out with 27 still required.

Malvern lost their way somewhat, Julian Hall (12) batted patiently, but this was not enough to see the side home.