AVONCROFT were left wanting with the bat as they crashed to a 115-run Worcestershire County League Division Three defeat at in-form Malvern.
The hosts opted to bat after winning the toss where an inspired 110 from Tom Hale fired Malvern to 277-8 from their 50 overs.
Lower order batsmen Luke Halion (29) and Jeremy Pilgrim (18no) kept the scoreboard ticking over for the Ramblers who left Croft with a mountain to climb.
Only Tom Murray (39) and David Anson (32) could build a partnership in reply as the visitors were skittled out for 162 in the 38th over.
Oliver Halion (3-23) and Neil Thompson (3-28) grabbed the lion’s share of the wickets.
Croft will hope to return to winning ways on Saturday when they entertain fourth placed Netherton.
It was a different story for the Seconds as they remain in the Division Three Second XI promotion-places after securing a 22-run success over basement boys Stourpourt-on-Severn Fourths.
Croft chose to bat after winning the toss where they posted 261-7 from their 45 overs, thanks to Chris Pitt’s unbeaten 127 and Josh Cound’s 71.
Despite their low league position, ten-man Stourport gave it a real good go in response as they were bowled out for 239.
Dave Cook lead the way with the bat with a steady 96 but once he departed with the visitors at 177-3, the innings slowly fell away.
The Seconds travel to Old Vigornians Seconds on Saturday.