BARNARDS Green seconds entertained Coombs Wood in the WCL Saturday league and were asked to bat first on a good wicket.

BARNARDS GREEN II v COOMBS WOOD II

Coombs Woods' policy of bowling very experienced bowlers, who took the pace off the ball, had the home side struggling to time the ball. First to go was Jason Brewer, who failed to go through with his shot and was caught at cover. Mark Hooper looked in fine form until he also mis-timed a slower ball from Banks.

Liam Paddock was just beginning to get into his stride when, for the second time this season, the bowler deflected a drive onto the stumps running out the unfortunate Paddock. Spencer joined the patient Jon Lewis, he took a liking to the bowling but after hitting two sixes and three fours, he also perished to a fine catch in the outfield.

Lewis Hooper was caught behind first ball and the Green were in trouble at 102-5 with 20 overs still remaining.

Jon Lewis was eventually out trying to up the scoring rate after a patient 39. It was left to Matt Brookes (22no) to guide the Green to a reasonable total with the aid of Scullion (10) and Sam Spencer (10). All out for 172 in the 49th over.

John Banks bowled 19 overs taking 5-40, and R Turner also bowled 19 overs taking 1-69. Although they did a good job for their side, the useful-looking teenagers in the team did not look impressed with spending the afternoon in the field.

The Green took to the field knowing they were probably 30 runs short. All seven bowlers used by the Green bowled well and, backed up by spirited fielding, it took Coombs Wood 49 overs to reach their target.

Opening bowlers Duncan Bell and Sam Spencer bowled with pace to only pick-up a wicket apiece and Scullion and Lewis Hooper forced many false shots. Coombs Wood reached their target with the loss of four wickets with J Cannon making 46 and M Colwell 59.

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