KIDDERMINSTER Victoria consolidated their position at the top of Worcestershire League Division Three with a 69-run win over Martley.

But they had to recover from being bowled out for a modest 187 in 50 overs after being asked to bat first at their Hoobrook ground.

The first three batsmen were dismissed cheaply but Simon Cook (36) and Kevin Amos (25) went some way to repairing the early damage.

They were followed by a half-century partnership between father and son, Glyn and Paul Thomas, with 25 and 32 respectively.

In reply, David Bannister took 1-14 in nine overs and Paul Thomas 2-35 to hold the early batsmen.

Captain David Mitchell introduced two spinners which proved a masterstroke as Martley had no answer to Cook (2-37) and Richard Eyers (4-37).

The duo helped bowl their visitors out for 118 in 37 overs to take 24 points to Martley's four.

KVCC 187, Martley 118.

At Martley, the home side batted first and totalled 115 against the seconds.

Steve Horne claimed 4-29 and Worcestershire girls' star Fern Bagley 4-21 to destroy the hosts.

Bagley claimed the prize wicket of Dave Bradley and then KVCC knocked off the required runs for the loss of three wickets.

Chris Humphries top scored with 40 not out and James Rine added 26 to conclude an easy victory.

Martley 115, KVCC 2nds 116-3.