FORTY-EIGHT hours is a long time in sport as Worcester found out yesterday when they visited Leamington Spa with a much weakened team and came away with a 24-run victory.

This was only their second win of the season and came after having suffered a heavy defeat on Saturday.

Worcester wee without their Worcestershire allocated players and also their overseas player Murray Ranger who has returned to South Africa -- but their 'reserves' proved to be more than up to the mark.

Worcester were asked to bat first and made a very good 272-7 in their 55 overs.

Star of the show was Paul Jones who smashed his highest Birmingham League score of the season, 92, in only 112 balls.

He was well supported by Andy Mason, returning to form with 63 and Adam Binks with a solid 44.

When Leamington replied they started poorly falling to 38-2, but Richard Williams made sure that the game went to a close finish hitting a good 84, but after his dismissal at 215, things looked bleak for the home side and they were eventually dismissed for 248.

Worcester skipper Guy Muspratt was his side's leading bowler, claiming 4-74.

Worcester took 20 points to Leamington's seven.

Worcester's second team lost for the second time over the weekend when they went down by three wickets to Wellington and may have blown their championship hopes.

Worcester made a modest 187 all out with Alan Levy top scoring on 53 as Mark Woods took 5-53.

Wellington batted steadily in reply, but poor Worcester fielding led to their down fall as four catches were spilled.

Wellington reached 193-7 in the penultimate over for the win, with Willie Vaughan making 56 despite being dropped twice. Wellington earned 20 points to Worcester's five.