NEAL Radford enjoyed an amazing start to life as an Evesham cricketer but, like the majority of fixtures in the area, the weather was Saturday's only winner.

The former Test all-rounder struck with his third and fourth balls to help the Worcester-shire County League second division leaders snatch a couple of bonus points to further extend their lead at the summit.

Radford's impact was immediate when called upon to replace Paul Jones after Ian Prince had taken the only Martley wicket to fall at Avon Street.

Barry Clements held on to a nick down the legside to give the ex-Worcestershire and Lancashire ace his first scalp and the very next ball he trapped the batsman in front to make it two wickets in four balls.

However, despite a huddle of fielders around the bat, Radford was denied a hat-trick but, final figures of 3-7 from five overs as Martley struggled to 50-5 when play was abandoned, certainly augur well for Evesham's championship chances.

The club's second string was denied possible victory by the weather after skittling Martley for 176.

Spinner Will Lloyd took the bowling honours with figures of 6-50 but only six balls were possible after tea when the ran arrived.