MARTLEY seconds are celebrating after finishing second in Worcestershire Cricket League Division Four despite losing their last game of the season to champions Claverley.

But an inexperienced Martley first team were well beaten at Avoncroft in Division Three.

Having won seven on the trot the seconds batted first at Claverley and lost openers Stu Watt and Tom Butler both without scoring.

Useful contributions from Rob Ganderton (28), John McGhan (31), Shahnawaz Shamim (39) and James Edwards (29) saw them to 175-8 off 45 overs.

Openers Darren Morris (71) and Kamral Choudhary (30) gave the hosts an excellent start.

Tej Uppal with 1-36 off 10 overs was his usual consistent self and Owen Birchley returned 1-33 in seven overs.

Although Martley chipped away the home side were not to be denied and romped home with seven wickets to spare.

Martley’s first team were down to the bare bones for the home game with Avoncroft where the visitors batted first.

Martley did take an early wicket but Josh Cound and Ben Warwick then set about flailing a 250-run partnership against an ever-wearying attack, the only notable performance was Dan Johnson (3-67) who picked up two late wickets.

Avoncroft eased to 401-5, Cound finishing with 143 and Warwick 134 not out.

Jim and Alex Basford then tried to replicate the visitors' run-rate with the latter crashing 50 from 22 balls.

At 95-1 off 10 overs Martley were in the hunt but Alex Basford went for 59 and although Jim was 76 not out Martley could not keep up the run chase and were all out for 179.