THE Green II kept up their challenge at the top of the WCL third division with a maximum points victory over Martley.

Martley chose to bat first and made a promising start despite losing Vale, caught behind off Chris Hill in the second over.

The score advanced at nearly five an over until Stuart Fletcher and Simon Clarke were introduced into the attack and managed to put some pressure on the visiting batsmen. Both bowlers claimed a wicket apiece and when Rushgrove was caught behind off Clark for 50 the innings slowed down markedly.

Stuart Fletcher was particularly effective claiming 4-63 in a marathon 21 over spell - he certainly deserved a drink afterwards!

Derek Goodman contributed to the cause by mis-fielding a ball on the cover boundary which deceived the batsmen into thinking the ball had crossed the boundary and returning the ball to Fletcher who ran out the shocked batsman. The Green's chances of victory looked good as Simon Clarke (3-61) and Stuart Fletcher limited the visitors to 182 in their 50 overs.

The in-form Brian Hancock continued his excellent run of scores, providing the anchor to the Green's innings with a carefully compiled 64 not out as James Curtis and Derek Goodman both played fluently to score 37 each.

The Martley bowlers stuck to their task but the rapid outfield and true wicket made it difficult to restrict the scoring and the total was reached in the 37th over when Chris Hill smashed a short ball from Smith through the covers for four.