ALTHOUGH the victory margin of 216 runs suggests a rout it was a dogged rearguard by Stone and an awesome display by Steve Metcalfe that broke the hearts and middle order of Stone to secure maximum points for Barnards Green.

STONE V BARNARDS GREEN SINGLES

Greeted by a rock hard surface Stone asked the Singles to make first use, which they did to great effect.

The normally sedate Freeman found the track and bowling to his liking and had smashed three sumptuous boundaries before perishing to a fine catch at deep point for 12.

Dave White also found the track, the bowlers and the boundaries to his liking in a tremendous innings. He and Curtis added 73 runs until Curtis went for 11 and another wicket fell bringing Beavan to the crease with the score on 127 and another 30 overs to go.

White continued to flow as Stone tried many bowlers and with every fielder protecting the fence, still White peppered the boards.

Beavan now started to open up with glorious shots all around the wicket. White now tired as and was undone for 82 when caught behind. Beavan continued the onslaught but was trapped in front for a fine 65. Hill (35no) and Sanders (34no) took up the challenge and powered the Singles onto to 305 aided by 53 extras.

Stone's reply was of dogged resistance from the first ball. Blackledge and Harler set out their stall and frustrated the opening burst from the Green.

Their resistance had lasted 18 overs until Ratcliffe introduced Simon Clarke to the attack.

Blackledge could not resist and was caught for 14, followed by the number three for nought. Morley should have gone two balls later but Beavan made a hash of a simple catch. A reluctant Metcalfe was brought into the attack and his impact was immediate. Harler's resistance went with his leg stump and the Singles scented victory.

Metcalfe continued to make inroads with an impressive display of fast-medium with the ball jagging off the seam and he claimed five wickets in his ten-over spell or only eight runs.

Morley continued to resist the bowlers and the overs ticked by. Churchill was reintroduced to the attack and the tail had no answer to his pace and Stone were dismissed for 89 in the 43rd over with Morley 24no, leaving the Green victorious by a massive 216 runs.