West Malvern 263-7, Harvington 265-2.

WEST Malvern travelled to Crusader Worcestershire League Division Five newcomers Harvington knowing that their credentials as title contenders would be severely tested.

Having lost the toss, West Malvern were put into bat.

In an eventful second over, Steve Wright fell to a catch in the covers off Lee.

Tony Williams, piercing the slip cordon on several occasions, rode his luck against the pace of Raja, while at the other end Alex Hall made hay.

The pair put on 95 for the second wicket until Williams was bowled by Aussie Nathan Gage for 31 and soon after Hall (47) was caught by Luke Fisher off David Waters.

Shailly Badra and Phil Chaundy steadied the innings and took the score on to 220 before Badra was caught by Towey for 55 to become Waters’ second victim.

Fred Walker (3), Kevin Gilbert (9) and Will Lloyd all perished in the final half dozen overs attempting to move the score along. Chaundy remained unbeaten on 51 with skipper Pete O’Connell in support as the innings, aided by 58 extras, closed on 263-7.

It became apparent in the first few overs of the home side’s reply that it was going to be a hard task to stem the flow of runs from openers Sam Cross and Gage.

First bowling change Cliff Rawlings momentarily put the brakes on as did Wright who claimed his side’s first wicket when Cross edged to keeper Gilbert for 30.

But the Harvington charge to victory was being led effortlessly by Gage who punished every loose delivery in racing to an impressive century.

Waters looked nervous to start with and the Wests sensed an opening but they failed to capitalise as he too settled in to take advantage of some indifferent bowling.

With victory in sight, Waters was finally dismissed by O’Connell who, on his return, induced the youngster to edge to Gilbert for 76. The winning runs came from Gage at the end of the 42nd over.