MARTLEY'S batmen were in top form in Worcestershire Cricket League Division Three but could not manage to force victory.

Tom Vale starred at Five Ways Old Edwardians with an unbeaten 136.

After early wickets, Vale, Alexander Basford (27), Dom Jones (19) and Simon Van Tongeren (24) built up towards a good total.

Dan Johnson (56 not out) entered with the score at 212-5 with just over seven overs remaining and belted five big sixes.

Johnson and Vale added 106 in the last seven overs as Martley totalled 318-5.

Martley got the perfect start as Mark Johnson (2-40) took a wicket without a run on the bard.

James Edwards (1-29) produced a tidy opening spell before youngster James Francis stepped in with 3-26 in five overs.

With James Ganderton taking 2-38, Martley looked on for victory but dropped catches cost them as Five Ways ended on 246-9.

Martley seconds had a winning draw with visitors Himley after John McGahan and Jim Basford put on 90 for the first wicket.

McGahan went for 38 but Basford made 72 and useful contributions from the lower order took Martley to 213-7.

Tej Uppal opened the bowling with 3-19 ably supported by Ben Court who picked up one of the openers.

But at 60-4 Himley shut up shop for 30 overs of attrition.

The game petered out with Himley on 122-5 and Martley took 18 points.