MALVERN travelled to Luctonians on Saturday and came away with 24 much-needed Worcestershire County League division two points.

LUCTONIANS v MALVERN

Lowly Luctonians batted first and totalled 226 from their 50 overs, G Powell and J Platford both reaching their 50s.

Jeremy Lee bowled another excellent spell, with no luck as usual. Dan Besgrove brought some much-needed control to the innings with his subtle change of pace but it was Jonny Dovey, with 6-63 from 15 overs, who was the star of the innings for Malvern.

Andrew Cullen's spectacular diving catch on the boundary will be undoubtably the catch of the season while Luke Halion's shrewd bowling changes always seemed to do the trick for Malvern.

Malvern lost both openers cheaply and at 10-2 they were in deep trouble, but Ollie Bendall and Rob Francis constructed a superb partnership of 141.

Bendall continued his brilliant season with a classy 84 from only 61 balls while Francis showed he was back to his dominating best with a superb unbeaten 95 from 65 balls.

Baugh's dismissal gave the visitors a slight hope but Steven Carter, with a useful 21no, together with Francis saw Malvern safely home.

Tomorrow (Saturday), Malvern entertain third-placed Coombs Wood at Regency Road.