ED Kemp’s fine knock with the bat and skipper Sam Evans’ four-wicket haul with the ball ensured Cleobury Mortimer quickly returned to winning ways in Worcestershire League Division Eight.

After being put in to bat by hosts Martley, Mortimer’s top order struggled with five of their first six batsmen failing to reach double figures, but opener Kemp stood tall among the carnage.

He compiled an excellent 76 to go a long way towards ensuring a second successive away win for Mortimer, who had lost at home to Birlingham the previous week.

James Manley (42) provided chief support while tail-enders Luke Baldwin (13no), Scott Southall (11no) and Gareth Layton also chipped in as Cleobury posted 201-8.

In reply, early wickets for Manley (1-20) and Baldwin (2-21) soon had Martley reeling, although Mark Kennedy’s stubborn 60 threatened to salvage the hosts a draw.

But he eventually fell to Evans, who claimed 4-17 to dismiss Martley for 112 and hand Cleobury – who host early pacesetters Burghill, Tillington and Weobley this weekend – a convincing 89-run win.

Elsewhere, Knighton on Teme’s opening Marches League Division Three game with Strollers was cancelled due to rain.