SEVERAL Martley first team regulars will be facing an uphill battle to win their places back after an under-strength team pulled off an excellent victory.

Playing high-flying Wormelow in Crusader Worcestershire League division three south, Martley had to call on five youngsters from the second team after a host of last-minute withdrawals.

Going into the game, Herefordshire side Wormelow were top-of-the-table and had only lost one game all season to be strong favourites for the match.

However, the Worcestershire club's mixture of experienced campaigners and young guns gelled together and cantered to an unexpected 84-run triumph.

The performace was a real group effort as everybody did their bit with the bat, ball or in the field.

They have been selected as our team of the week, winning a box of six Fearnley cricket balls, worth £90, for their troubles.

Captain Richard Birchley was delighted with his team's performance -- especially the youngsters.

He said: "We had five lads come in from the seconds because we were missing a few regular players.

"They all shone and after that win, they think it is easy playing for the firsts!

"To be honest, I was pretty amazed with the result. We had a young bowling attack -- apart from Jim Basford who has been around for years -- but they all bowled really well."

In a rain-affected match, Martley batted first and posted 157-9 off 33 overs with all of the batsmen contributing along the way.

Basford (5-22) and under 16s bowler Pete Gardener (3-19) combined excellently to skittle out Wormelow for just 73 runs.

The win pushed Martley up to fourth in the table and although their skipper ruled out promotion this season, it is a key target for next year.

Birchley added: "It is a bit late for us to get promoted this year, but we will definitely be hoping to go up next season."