OVs set the pace with win on road

9:10am Tuesday 13th May 2008

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OLD Vigornians won by 56 runs at Martley to remain the early pace-setters in Crusader Worcestershire League Division Four South.

OVs fielded an inexperienced side, missing several first-team regulars, while Martley had nine men away at a stag weekend.

In difficult batting conditions on a lively pitch, the Worcester side lost wickets at regular intervals. Only Nick Hutchings seemed able to adapt to the conditions, and scored a watchful 41.

Stuart Hayes was the pick of the Martley bowlers, finishing with 5-43.

OVs, who benefitted from 47 extras, had stuttered to 96-9, when the final pair of Azmat Riaz (14) and James Underwood added 47 for the 10th wicket as they were all out for 143.

Riaz then destroyed the Martley middle order, picking up 4-22 as the hosts were dismsised for 87.

A badly depleted OVs Seconds defeated Martley by 98 runs.

Matt Waddington's 65, which included eight fours and a six, was the highlight of the OVs' innings, which also saw four players make their league debuts.

Tim Whitehouse (33), Richard Wilkes (28), Andrew Judd (25) and Tim Race (35 not out) also chipped in as OVs reached 226-8.

Nick Watkins bowled a superb spell to pick up 3-44 and 14-year-old Doug Arnot took 2-25.

Spinners Ian Robinson and Race each picked up two wickets as Martley were all out for 128.