THE long trip to Badsey saw a delayed start, the obligatory losing of the toss by Ratcliffe, and an enthralling game of cricket that saw Green Singles emerge with a winning draw.

BADSEY v BARNARDS GREEN SINGLES

The match was reduced to 40 overs per side and the Green took first use of a very damp wicket, with a low, slow bounce.

Openers Doughty and Freeman were watchful and with the slippery underfoot conditions, careful whilst running between the wickets. Slowly but surely the pair built a substantial opening partnership as Badsey rotated their bowlers. Doughty was quick to seize on anything over-pitched and Freeman took advantage of anything short.

As the innings grew, the pair gradually upped the tempo and Doughty was first to his 50 with another crashing on-drive but perished soon after for 54 when trying to repeat the shot. The pair had put on 98 excellent runs.

With the home side giving Freeman a single every ball, it was Metcalfe with a brief flurry who upped the tempo. Freeman then completed a well compiled 50 as he and Beavan were running nearly every ball. Then Freeman became the first of three victims for D Powell when trapped in front for 56. With the wicket easing, the innings took on new impetus with a 'cameo' performance from Rich Brown, he took on the long boundaries with some monstrous shots in a whirlwind 27. White came and clubbed 28 quick-fire runs as the Green reached an unlikely 203 at innings close.

The Badsey reply was a shot-a-ball and Hardwick hit 11 runs and holed out. Cowley came to the crease and proceeded to offer catches to the fielders, all of which ended on the turf. He and Hammon kept up with the required rate and still the Green failed to grasp the chances offered to them. With only 130 required off the final 20 overs, with nine wickets in hand, Badsey looked favourites. The Green got the breakthrough with 10 overs to go as Doughty had Hammon caught for 39.

With the rate hovering between seven and eight, the now well set Cowley took a liking to Brown, depositing him onto the marquee of the nearby wedding party.

Brown claimed two quick wickets but Westmacott was finding the boundary. Cowley fell to a brilliant Matt Brookes catch on the boundary off Brown (3-46). Westmacott was run out for 18 and Doughty (3-25) gave a glimmer of Green victory with two wickets in two balls but Badsey held on at 184-8 to give the Green a winning draw.