A CENTURY from Phil Chaundy in difficult conditions helped West Malvern gain a winning draw over Bromsgrove and stretch their lead at the top of Worcestershire League Division Four to 17 points.

While his partners struggled, Chaundy notched 119 to steer West to 177-9.

Will Jones then took 4-22 in nine overs and skipper Matthew Gammon chipped in with three wickets as Bromsgrove fell 12 runs short of their revised winning draw target.

After losing the toss, Matt Penkoks was first to depart looping Will Tuffin to square leg for 19 and Will Lloyd soon followed. But Chaundy remained resolute as he took 22 balls to open his account.

The innings was interrupted on three occasions but Chaundy managed to gain some fluency. While Thomas Downing’s loose deliveries were being punished, fellow spinner Matt Banham dismissed Jones and Joe Bird.

But Chaundy powered past 50 and on towards three figures.

Robin Lloyd’s stay at the crease was ended by a sharp delivery from Max Smith while Sam Beaumont was run out.

Chaundy’s innings came to an end when he picked out Mark Bilbrough at long on off Smith. Kevin Gilbert and Gammon scampered the extra runs to achieve a further batting point.

Bromsgrove were set 126 for a winning draw from a maximum of 34 overs.

David Collins started positively, but holed out to Jones off Gammon who then demolished Scott Burrows’ stumps. Downing was bowled in the same Gammon over but Jacob Matthews and Harry Smith then took up the challenge.

Matthews (33) fired a blistering drive down Will Lloyd’s throat off Jones, who accounted for Smith (18), edging to Gilbert. Soon after Paul Husbands was caught by the veteran keeper.

With Bilborough, Banham and Nick Blackmore failing to get into double figures, the most likely result was a home victory. But Tuffin and Smith held on for the final two overs.

West travel to Claverley on Saturday (1pm). But second-placed Hanley will be looking to close the gap as they visit Bromsgrove (1pm).

They defeated Old Elizabethans third XI by six wickets last Saturday.