A WORCESTER Warriors players' XI lost a cricket thriller to Martley by eight wickets at Jewry Field.

After a heavy downpour beforehand the game was reduced to 15 overs per side with Warriors batting first.

A tight first over saw new fly-half Sam Olver caught off George Griffiths for a duck before Perry Humphreys (10) fell to Tom Vale as the visitors struggled to 21-2.

But GJ van Velze (33) and Jackson Willison (15) blasted nine boundaries between them before retiring.

Jamie Shillcock (20 not out) entered the fray with director of rugby Gary Gold before the latter was bowled by Dan Mayfield for 12.

Three lusty late blows from Will Butler (14no) helped Warriors up to 125-4.

Skipper Dom Jones was run out for three by Dewald Potgieter but Martley recovered thanks to James Ganderton (27) and Alex Basford (26).

They retired leaving their side still needing 60 from the final six overs.

Pete Gardner was run out for three but Vale and Mayfield kept up with the run-rate until the final over when the former had to retire on 25.

Needing eight from six balls Simon van Tongeren hit a four and two singles alongside one for Mayfield (25) who then needed one off the final ball.

Mayfield cleared the infield to see Martley home as the hosts gained revenge for the previous year’s final-ball loss.