Bromyard enjoyed their sixth successive victory at home to local rivals Malvern in this WCL division two clash.

Having won the toss Malvern skipper Dave Arnold surprisingly chose to bat first in overcast conditions and on a green pitch. Bromyard's bowlers made the most of this and kept the run rate down below two an over in the early stages, before overseas player Zahid Saeed bowled Mark Baugh for two in the 7th over for 14-1.

Skipper Dave Arnold followed his opening partner back after nicking Zahid through to keeper Richard Brookes having made 12 and Malvern were in deep trouble when Zahid had Adam Dovey lbw for a duck playing no stroke and yorked the next batsman Steve Carter first ball to make it 35-4. The introduction of James Hine to the attack produced further inroads as he bowled Rob Francis for five to make it 45-5.

Young off-spinner Ben Ford produced another very tidy spell and was rewarded with the wicket of top-scorer Luke Halion (26), who lobbed an on-drive to Bromyard skipper Edd Oliver at mid-on.

Another wicket for Hine followed soon after as he bowled Jeremy Lee for 12, and when Tom Poole was stumped off his Worcestershire U17 team-mate Ford for one, Malvern were 71-8.

An excellent piece of fielding by David Taylor ran out Australian Mike Storey for six soon after, and after a defiant partnership of ten in nine overs for the last wicket, Zahid cleaned up last man Coughtree for one to leave Malvern 85 all out after 37.2 overs and take his season's haul to 50 wickets. Zahid once again put in a tremendous effort to finish with 5-20 from 14.2 overs, his fifth five-wicket haul of the season. He received excellent support from James Hine with 2-31 from eight overs in his first meaningful spell for six weeks and Ben Ford with 2-7 from eight deadly accurate overs, which included five maidens.

In reply, Bromyard got off to a flyer with the Bullock brothers taking advantage of the attacking fields which Malvern were forced into setting, defending such a low total. Matt Bullock raced to 32 with six fours and was especially harsh on young quicky Poole who was dispatched for 40 runs from his six overs, before he was run out after being called for a quick single.

Ash Bullock once again picked up a not out as he helped Bromyard to a nine-wicket victory in just the 16th over, finishing on 35 unbeaten, including six 4s, as Zahid hit occasional bowler Anthony Arnold's first ball for six to seal the win and earn Bromyard 24 points.

Bromyard have maintained their 21 point advantage over Barnards Green and move 60 points clear of third-placed Netherton.

A home victory over Netherton tomorrow (Saturday) would virtually ensure promotion back to division one of the Worcestershire County League.