MALVERN ARTEFACTS v RUSHWICK

MALVERN Artefacts played their second league game of the season in bright sunny conditions at Regency Road on Tuesday and were involved in a tense and evenly matched contest with Rushwick, losing on the last ball of the game.

The Artefacts won the toss and had no hesitation in electing to bat first. However they were soon contemplating that decision when they lost debutante Ian Dovey (7) and fellow opener Ian Walwyn (3) with just 13 runs on the board.

However, the arrival of Jamie Drew (48, eight fours) put the Malvern side back in the game as he and new partner Neil Prosser (one) added 28 valuable runs for the third wicket.

Nobody else in the innings managed to reach double figures, as it was left to the excellent Drew to put the innings together, however the Artefacts were grateful for the 23 extras that the Rushwick served up to help the cause.

The innings closed at 88-7.

For the visitors, Alex Harrison was rewarded with the impressive figures of 4-13, he was ably supported by captain Leon Wood with 2-19.

In reply, Rushwick batted cautiously as they struggled initially to come to terms with the conditions. The early loss of Chris Parker (4) brought together Gary Watkins (28) and Tim Bossenger (35no) who went about repairing the innings, they put on 47 runs for the second wicket, but the loss of Watkins and the introduction of Phil Spencer 1-18 and Martin Jones 2-22 into the bowling attack, pegged back the run rate.

Both Matt Champion (3) and Steve Young (3) came and went, and it was left to Bossenger and man of the match Harrison to steer Rushwick home by the tightest of margins. Rushwick take 11 points and Malvern stay pointless at the foot of the table.

On Tuesday, the Artefacts entertain Kempsey at Regency Road.