BARNARDS Green 1st XI welcomed Harborne to a damp-looking North End Lane on Saturday for a rain-reduced Crusader Worcestershire County League division two clash.

BARNARDS GREEN v HARBORNE

Thanks to sterling work from groundsman Roy Mayo, the game was able to go ahead despite heavy rain overnight. The start time was put back 30 minutes to allow further drying time and Harborne won the toss and invited the Green to bat in a 46-over encounter.

The Green's opening batsmen, Rich Williams and Gary Lewis, again started well. Williams in particular was severe on anything short and again passed an excellent 50. Lewis soon followed him to 50 before falling to leave the Green 130-1. Williams continued to accelerate but was eventually caught behind for 74. Daniel Flynn watched several partners come and go as the Green looked to hoist their run rate. Flynn, survived an early chance and registered another unbeaten fifty (70no). The Green closed on a respectable total of 249-5 off their 46 overs.

In reply, Harborne got off to a good start with Tim Williams and Chris Harrison failing to consistently put the ball in the right areas. However, Williams eventually struck, removing the opening batsman leg before. Flynn then managed a superb direct hit run- out to leave Harborne 50-2. All the Green's bowlers struggled for consistency and lacked a real threat on a pitch offering movement to the bowlers.

However, the Green showed another superb fielding display and were able to keep Harborne down below the scoring rate required. Williams returned to the attack to pick up two more wickets and effectively end the Harborne run chase.

Further loose bowling meant the Green never really closed the game out. Some chancy running, and Chris Harrison returning to take two quick wickets, led to an exciting finish. However, Harborne were able see the final overs through and closed on 215-7.

The Green will be looking to improve their bowling performance but on a day when most other promotion rivals were rained off or lost points, the Green again managed to extend their lead at the top of the league to 25 points.

Tomorrow (Saturday), the Green travel to Netherton, for what promises to be a tough game, looking to again maintain their strong hold on the division two.

Thanks to match sponsors Classic Drives.