MALVERN ARTEFACTS v KEMPSEY

IT was third time lucky as Malvern Artefacts won their first Worcester Evening League game of the season in fading light at Regency Road, Malvern on Tuesday, beating Kempsey by 19 runs.

Home captain Jamie Drew elected to bat first and get the best of the wicket. The Malvern side soon lost the promoted Phil Spencer (6) and he was followed by captain Drew (2) as the score slumped to 20-2 off three overs.

However, the partnership of Richard Burton (63) and Derek Street (39no) soon turned the game to the home sides's advantage by putting on 94 quick runs until the impressive Burton was snared by Owen in the 11th over. However, his five fours and two sixes proved to be a match winning performance.

He was ably assisted by Street whose better than a run a ball innings paved the way for a high score, and the innings closed on 128-3 off their allotted 12 overs to gain their first batting bonus point.

For the visitors both Kayani (1-17) and Tucker (1-26) did their best to quell the runs, but their efforts lacked support as 82 runs came off the last six overs.

In reply, Kempsey got off to a slow start and their cause was not helped when Kayani (4) missed a low full toss in front of the stumps, however the impressive Aktar (28) was just getting to grips with the pitch when he uncharacteristically holed out at mid-wicket.

This brought together wicket keeper Robinson (45no) and Dean (21) and they quickly added 68 runs to the score mixing controlled aggression with quick singles. However, they never fully got to grips with the required run rate and as darkness beckoned their innings ran out of momentum, finishing 19 runs short of victory.

All four bowlers used by the Malvern side adapted to the conditions well, but with Martyn Jones (0-24) and Phil Spencer (1-26) bowling well at the end of the innings, an Artefacts victory was assured.

Malvern take 11 points for their victory and on Tuesday, entertain Northwick Strollers as they continue to build upon this week's form and look to climb the league table.