HAVING beaten the weather, Brintons’ Lee Waldron left the Martley batsmen running for cover.

The 28-year-old right-arm quick claimed a career-best 8-31 as he helped skittle out their Worcestershire League Division Four hosts out for 63.

His devastating spell also earned Waldron the Worcester News player-of-the-week award and a £30 voucher from the Fearnley Factory Shop.

Having been put into bat by Martley, Brintons were quickly reduced to 38-3 before they managed to post a challenging total of 204 with Waldron striking a useful 23.

But the writing was on the wall for Martley as early as the third ball from the 6ft 6in opening bowler as they slumped to 14-4.

Brintons captain Andy Jones, who was fielding at slip, said: “I don’t know who was more worried, the batsmen or us behind the stumps!

“I’m just glad I didn’t have to face Lee, the Martley batsmen were just trying to fend him off.

“It was a truly devastating spell of quick bowling.”

With two caught behind and three in the cordon, Waldron’s extra height was also allowing him to gain a bit more bounce on a wicket that he described as spongy.

“I just bowled a little short and managed to find the edge,” Waldron said. “To be honest I didn’t think we were going to get a game with all the rain that we had on Saturday.

“But when the covers were taken off the wicket was still pretty firm, it suited my bowling.”

With a previous best of 7-14 a few years back, Waldron has been at the Kidderminster-based club since the age of 12.

His dad Neil, who scored 26 against Martley, is a former captain of the club, while his brother Ian also plays.

“I really enjoy being at Brintons,” Lee said. “I have been here since I was a kid helping out. I started when I was 12 acting as a sub on the field and I have my family around me too.”

After picking up only two wickets in the losing draw against Himley seconds last week, his captain Jones has one hope for Waldron.

“I just wish he could bowl like that every week,” said the skipper.