MALVERN were sent crashing to a heavy defeat to rivals Kempsey in Worcestershire League Division Three.

Zakary O’Neill was the star of the show for the visitors as he bagged three wickets before scoring 104 not out in a stunning nine-wicket success at Regency Road.

After being put in to bat, Malvern were quickly put on the back foot as Max White holed out to Chris Jones off Adam Hunaban.

The home side responded well before losing three wickets. Lewis Hill (25), James Arnold (1) and Jamie Williams (33) were all dismissed to leave Malvern struggling on 70-4.

Anthony Arnold and Neil Thompson (23) tried to rebuild the innings as they reached 117 before the latter became Lance Ohren’s third victim.

Anthony Arnold (43 no) battled on, but wickets continued to fall at the other end.

Thomas Fairclough (14) was caught by Jones off the bowling of Joe Worthington before O’Neill removed Jeremy Pilgrim (6), Chay Ankers (7) and Oliver Harker (3).

Hunaban then had Tom Sears caught by Gregory Cooke as Malvern were bowled out for 183.

After a positive start, Kempsey lost their first wicket when Thompson bowled Jones (16).

But the away side eased to victory with Cooke hitting five fours on his way to 45 not out and O’Neill reaching his hundred with 12 fours and two sixes.

Malvern host Himley on Saturday (1pm).

In Division Four, third-placed Hanley Castle and Upton slumped to a eight-wicket defeat at Halesowen thirds.

Hanley visit Old Elizabethans thirds on Saturday (1pm).