MALMESBURY'S first league win of 2003 arrived in a hurry courtesy of a devastating spell of new ball inswing bowling from Indian all-rounder BK Majumder.

The overseas man, whose presence was badly missed as he experienced visa difficulties last summer, took five wickets for six runs from nine overs as the hosts romped to victory by 102 runs.

Marshfield never came to terms with their target of 156, with several of their batsmen left waving their bat at thin air. The only doubt was whether the game would be finished before the arrival of heavy rain.

At one stage, the visitors sportingly declined the sanctuary of the dressing room and the match finished in damp conditions. Ed Shellard also claimed three wickets as Marshfield were dismissed for a paltry 54.

Earlier in the day, Malmesbury had been invited to bat on a slow dry wicket. The openers began solidly enough without ever dominating and then wickets began to fall at regular intervals. But an impressive partnership from the steady James Pierce-Smith, with 36, and aggressive Gerard Joynson, unbeaten on 28, took Malmesbury to a competitive score, which in the end proved to be more than adequate.

Malmesbury visit Marlborough on Saturday.

Bath v Malmesbury

A BRAVE effort from Malmesbury, currently playing three leagues below Bath, could not disguise an eight wicket thrashing second round of the National Knockout on Sunday.

Put in to bat, Malmesbury struggled to use up all their overs against an accurate Bath attack. The highlight was 37 not out from Mark Lester as Malmesbury finished on 120 for seven.

The reply from Bath was devastating. Willie Murray hammered the Malmesbury bowlers used all over the ground and finished on 81 not out as victory was secured inside 13 overs.

Malmesbury kept their heads up throughout the onslaught but the difference in class was all too obvious.

Malmesbury host Chippenham in the West of England Trophy this weekend.