Barnt Green 244-8 Wellington159-8

Barnt Green obtain a winning draw

BARNT Green closed the gap between themselves and leaders West Bromwich Dartmouth with a disciplined display in Shropshire on Saturday.

The Cherry Hill Road side has now closed to 20 points behind West Bromwich in the Birmingham and District League Premier Division after Leamington beat the leaders.

However, while Barnt Green were inspired by impressive batting performances by Richard Hall and Roger Sillence, they were unable to bowl out last season's champions.

Captain Richard Ilingworth said: "We were in control throughout the game.

"I was pleased with our positive attitude and the way we bowled was excellent.

"We were a bit unlucky not to bowl them out, but we stuck to a very tight line."

Batting first Green set about their opponents aggressively, with openers Richard Hall (87) and Matt Dallaway (23) starting well.

However, 17-year-old spinner Asif Sultan made an immediate impact when dismissed Dallaway.

Steve Williams (11) was bowled out Mark Downes, before Richard Wilkinson (6) was removed by Sultan.

However, Sillence (67) came to the crease and got Barnt Green back on track alongside Hall.

The captain (15) and Kris Howes (11 not out) were the only other players to get into double figures as Barnt Green reached 244.

Green's bowlers then kept Wellington's batting order in check - despite not being able to fully dismiss them.

Kris Howes (3-30) and Richard Illingworth (2-23) kept Wellington's order scoring at a meagre average of three runs an over.

But while Green's total was in no danger of being surpassed, Wellington openers Hector (38) and Martin (29) gave their side a decent platform.

Illingworth dismissed both players to leave Barnt Green in control.

Howes dismissed Sultan (17), Byram was removed by Worcestershire's David Wigley (18) and Kieran Rees caught Johnson (19) off Howes' delivery.

Wigley (3-55) then removed Danes (9) and Lamb (0), but Dewayman (11 not out) and Shepherd (three not out) stoodfast to give Wellington a share of the points.