MALVERN v STOURBRIDGE

MALVERN entertained table-topping Stourbridge on Saturday and fell 11 runs short of pulling off a shock victory.

Stourbridge batted first and found scoring hard against Malvern's opening pair of Jeremy Lee and Adam Dixon.

The game was very even until the visitors' overseas professional, Farhat, came to the crease.

He proceeded to play Malvern's attack all round the ground before Dan Besgrove trapped him lbw for a fine 106.

The middle order continued to hit-out and Stourbridge eventually declared on 271-5 after 45 overs.

Malvern's bowlers all gave a fine account of themselves on a superb batting wicket in very hot conditions.

Malvern openers Dovey and Mark Baugh put on 71 for the first wicket before Dovey fell for a hard-hit 36.

Baugh was dismissed for a solid 33 but at 110-2, Malvern were still well-placed.

Ollie Bendall took control of the innings and with a sublime 78 put the hosts in a excellent position before being stumped by Griffiths off Patel.

The middle order faltered but Dan Besgrove and Steven Carter, with some impressive improvisation, took Malvern to the brink of a famous win. However, three dismissals in consecutive balls put Stour-bridge back in charge.

Despite Ray Evans' and Andy Cooke's brave last-wicket effort, Stourbridge ran out narrow and very relieved winners.

Malvern travel to Netherton tomorrow (Saturday), always tough opponents.