Ross 2nds XI 33 - 3 - Malvern 235 -5

A huge thunder and lightning storm brought about an early finish to the 2nd XI game at Malvern with the square reminiscent of a boating lake after the deluge.

Earlier in the afternoon, stand in skipper Jim Lewis won the toss in heavy, humid conditions and asked Malvern to bat. The openers made a slow but steady start against Ross bowlers Cameron Hill and Tony Leslie with the first boundary not arriving until the 15th over. Spinner Charlie Cole was introduced into the attack and he made the breakthrough having Williams caught behind for 21. He followed this with a caught and bowled to dismiss Sykes for 44 but none of the Ross bowlers were able to contain Malvern captain Tom Fairclough, who upped the scoring rate as he eased his way past 50.

Youngsters George Aubrey and Alexander Springer bowled good spells and the Cole/Lewis combination worked at the other end to remove Halion for 25 before some cat and mouse tactics were introduced to keep Fairclough away from the strike. Hill and Leslie both returned at the end of the innings and picked up a wicket apiece with Fairclough just missing out on a century having smashed his way to 94 not out as Malvern closed on 235-5.

Steve Cole and debutant Mark DeCloedt opened the Ross innings after tea and also made a steady start before darkness began to descend on the ground with a storm obviously brewing in the distance. Batting quickly became very difficult in the fading light and both openers along with Nigel Lane perished before Charlie Cole and Tony Leslie got the scoreboard ticking over. However, the weather was always going to be the winner as spectacular lightning forks against the backdrop of the hills preceded a massive storm and washed out any chance of further play. Ross take 7 points from the abandoned game and head to Hanley Castle and Upton at the weekend.