WEST Malvern lost their grip on top spot in Worcestershire League Division Four after losing a thrilling encounter to Tenbury Wells.

After Tenbury made 232-7, West set about reaching their victory target with Matthew Blatherwick-Hindmarsh making 45.

Matt Penkoks (39) and Matthew Hindmarsh (21) also put in strong contributions down the order.

But West fell seven runs short as they were bowled out for 225 in the final over at Mathon Court. West are now level on points with Bromsgrove who are the new leaders.

After putting Tenbury in to bat on a slightly damp pitch, Andrew Adams (20) was forced to fend off a rising delivery from Hindmarsh which was taken by Will Lloyd.

Henry Anton and Keir Sellers played the short ball well and the score had passed 60 before the next wicket fell.

Sam Beaumont took it as Sellars (31) slapped straight to Jones at mid off.

Tom Gloster fell in similar fashion shortly afterwards, guiding to Lloyd at cover.

With the dangerous Aaron Morris riding his luck, he accumulated runs at a steadier pace alongside Anton.

It was looking ominous for West at drinks with the score over 100 for the loss of only two wickets.

But Hindmarsh’s extra pace proved too much for Anton and he was bowled for 27.

David Hunt (26) was bowled by Matt Penkoks trying to cut a sharply turning ball before Jones got the prized scalp of Morris, well caught by Hindmarsh for 66.

With fine fielding thwarting an attempted onslaught Zach Yarranton (19) was smartly run out in the final over.

West then got the reply off to a good start before Phil Chaundy (9) was trapped lbw by Yarranton.

But Blatherwick-Hindmarsh was making batting look easy, his treatment of the short ball being particularly adept.

He was five runs short of his half century when he skied a delivery from Yarranton to Adams at cover.

When Blackburn departed for 32, edging Matt Jones to Hunt, the game was finely balanced at 96-3.

Robin Lloyd joined son Will and the pair gradually pushed the score towards 150.

But, out of the blue, Will Lloyd (21) missed a straight ball and Robin Lloyd soon followed for 30.

Jones and Penkoks put on 22 in quick time until Anton trapped Jones in front for 18.

The victory target was brought closer by the productive pairing of Penkoks and Hindmarsh. But Anton beat Hindmarsh (21) and Morris accounted for Gilbert a few balls later.

A win was then made less likely when Morris bowled Dakin as West required 16 with one wicket and three overs remaining.

Beaumont (6 not out) and Penkoks were restricted to five and then Morris (2-43) kept things tight in the penultimate over meaning eight would be needed from six balls.

But Penkoks’ valiant effort was immediately quashed as he holed out to Morris.

West host Alveley on Saturday (1pm).