WEST Malvern were held to a rare tie when Kidderminster thirds visited.

Only opener Phil Chaundy’s 55 helped the Worcestershire League Division Four leaders total 136 all out from 38.5 overs. But Matt Hindmarsh (3-22) and Will Jones (3-16) ensured Kidderminster were bowled out for the same score in 45.4 overs during a dramatic finish.

After being asked to bat on a damp pitch, Robin and Will Lloyd fell to George Davies and Mike Kirby-Davies respectively.

Joe Bird, Will Jones and Dominic Weston did not last long either while Chaundy steadily accumulated runs.

But with Matt Penkoks at the crease the run-rate was revived.

Having his 50, Chaundy skipped down the pitch to loft Curtis Parker (3-26) into the trees but missed and was stumped. Penkoks (17) was caught in the deep and Carter surprised Rowan Dakin (1) with a straight delivery that took the edge.

Kevin Gilbert (6) became wicketkeeper James Williams’ fifth victim when caught in Simon Clarke’s first over.

Hindmarsh (18) and skipper Matt Gammon (3 not out) put on 19 valuable runs before the former lofted Clarke to George Davis.

In reply Hindmarsh’s extra pace took full advantage of the pitch as he dismissed Aaron Dickens (5), Williams (6) and Matt Davies (4).

And when Bradley James presented Gammon with a return catch the visitors were four down with barely 30 on the board.

Jones swiftly had the dangerous Harry Dickens (25) caught by Gilbert and Davis (6) was well caught by Weston. Carter (14) was then held by Gilbert off Penkoks to make it 80-7.

Clarke and Smith got the score passed three figures, but Dakin had the former caught low at slip by Gammon for 11. Kirby-Davies put Kidderminster within sight of victory but he hit Dakin (2-28) into the air and Robin Lloyd swooped at mid-off.

Jones was next to bowl with two runs or one wicket needed for the win.

Smith (29no) scored one run to tie and Jones’ next two balls narrowly beat the edge before he bowled Parker for a duck to share the spoils with fine figures from 7.4 overs.

West visit struggling Hallow on Saturday (1pm).