MALVERN secured their Worcestershire League Division Three status after a dramatic final day.
The Regency Road side needed to win their match against Himbleton, which they did by six wickets, and then hope that Chaddesley Corbett would slip up against Harborne, which also happened.
Malvern captain Anthony Arnold won the toss and invited Himbleton to bat in the hope of an early breakthrough.
Rob Perrins came close to achieving it but it was Ashley Jones, Malvern's young allrounder, who finally set Malvern on their way.
The villagers struggled for runs throughout the first part of the innings, but an unbeaten 85 from Alastair Pretty ensured Himbleton posted 203 all out.
Jones was Malvern’s most successful bowler with 4-45, with Jeremy Lee, Perrins and Rob Francis were among the wickets.
Malvern came out with all guns blazing as Arnold hit three boundaries in the first over. But they soon lost Andy Cullen, bravely batting despite only just recovering from a broken ankle. Arnold quickly followed and at 25-2, Malvern began to fear the worst.
However, a splendid partnership between David Cox and Francis consolidated the innings and then the runs began to flow freely before the former fell two short of his halfcentury.
Max White was bowled in the next over and, at 155-4 and with Malvern’s recent history of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, the game was still a possibility.
However, Francis had other ideas and he launched a ferocious assault on the bowling, smashing several sixes to reach his century.
Francis had taken Malvern to the brink of victory and when Mark Baugh stroked the ball to the boundary, the win was clinched.
There was much anxiety as Malvern waited for the Chaddesley result but it was confirmed that they had lost by seven wickets and Malvern had pulled off a great escape.
Barnards Green held a cricket Olympics day for its colts section at the club’s North End Lane ground.
Postponed from earlier in the season due to the bad weather, it proved to be a great day for both the weather and the competition.
Around 70 colts took part in events after an opening ceremony which was officially opened when Olympic Torch bearer Helen Cleaver brought the torch into the ground where she handed it to Sally Blackmore, the sister of Sam Crumplin, who passed away earlier this year.
Her son Daniel Dalton-Gilding was a Barnards Green colt himself, but unfortunately could not be there on the day.
The colts took part in 10 events during the afternoon including having their photos taken holding the torch. At the closing ceremony, prizes were awarded to age group winners and all participants were presented with winners’ medals.
Proceeds raised on the day will go to Daniel and his sister.
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