TEENAGER Alexander Basford stunned Hanley Castle and Upton with 32 fours and five sixes in his 180 for Martley in Worcestershire League Division Four last Saturday.

Martley went 43 points clear in second place with a 110-run win, still one behind leaders Five Ways Old Edwardians.

On a hard, bouncy ground, the hosts were invited to bat and set off at a decent rate through Pat Bibby (26) and Dom Jones (28).

Basford came to the crease in the 18th over with the score on 92-2 and was out in the 45th having boosted the total to 314.

He made the most of two let-offs to destroy the attack with an array of strokes but was bowled when looking to go big again short of his double ton.

Barton Mathews took 3-40 in Martley’s 333 all out. Martley made early inroads with Mark Johnson taking 2-25 and his brother Dan 2-35 and Joe Adams taking a fine diving catch.

From 40-4, Ollie Price (56) and Ewan Finlayson (36) rebuilt the innings to 136 before a steady fall of wickets saw Hanley out for 223, despite a defiant 42 not out from James Appleby.

Martley Seconds’ run of three wins on the trot ended at Hanley Castle in a 79-run loss.

The hosts racked up 257 all out led by a fine century from Charlie Tippell (109), who was backed up by Will Barrell (82).

Spinner Rob Ganderton took 4-33 and James Edwards 3-44.

Despite 44 from opener Ash Jones and 36 by Martin Sweet, Martley fell for 178 with George Barrell claiming 5-12.