THEY’RE usually the ones dressed in pom poms cheering on from the sidelines.

But a group of Southampton cheerleaders had a role reversal as they helped save the day at a rounder’s world record attempt.

Things were looking bleak at the world’s biggest rounders exhibition match at Southampton Sports Centre as the attempt was desperately short of players.

Organisers even had to delay the match for more than an hour as they tried to muster more players.

But thanks to Team Phoenix Cheerleaders based at Redbridge School in Cuckmere Lane, organisers believe they have broken the current world record which stands at 76 – by just three players.

However, they won’t find out officially for three months as they will gather all the required paperwork which will then be verified by Guinness.

Organiser John Sennett hailed the record attempt as a huge success and thanked the cheerleaders for their last-minute intervention.

Mr Sennett, said: “It was amazing considering we had to delay the attempt but everybody stuck around and the cheerleaders stepped in to save the day.”

“The attempt was a huge success we had 20 people come from outside Southampton who took part and even two who had family down in the city and flew from Northern Ireland to come to the event. We are so grateful for them and for the cheerleaders and everyone else who took part.

Despite the delayed start, there were lots of entertainment to keep players and fans happy.

This included an hour-long set by Southampton Ukulele Jam and performances by the VoxPop and Rock Choir, Southampton singer Vicki Musselwhite, Megan Linford and the Guv’nas.