BARNARDS Green made the long trek to Highley where, in the past, these trips had been 'pointless'. This time, however, they emerged with the majority of the points in a winning draw.

HIGHLEY v BARNARDS GREEN SINGLES

The match got off to an explosive start after the Singles were asked to take first knock. Lewis went first ball, bringing Andy Wheeler to the crease. The powerful striker broke his bat with an off-drive and his replacement blade had the ball departing to all parts of Shrop-shire. Such was his onslaught, in a stand of 54, Freeman contributed just one. Wheeler perished for 49 when Steele hung on to to skyer.

Freeman and Brewer took the score to 100 when Freeman (27) fell. Brewer and Ratcliffe added 50 runs in even time until skipper Ratcliffe went for 23. Brewer then cut into the hands of point for 39 giving Walford his third wicket.

James Curtis nursed the tail to 200 and beyond with a fine display of batting. His 40no saw the innings through to a respectable 222-9 as Parry returned 4-49.

The Highley response was stop-start, only because Chris Hill tied up one end. But at the other, too many bad balls were being easily sent to the boundary.

Spiers removed MacClean for 15 but Walford and Steele continued to enjoy the bad ball. Hill was rested after eight overs and Rich Brown took up the challenge with some excellent bowling. Steele and Walford continued to cut loose at the other end as Highley made light work of the total. Ratcliffe rotated his bowlers to no avail and recalled Hill to stem the flow. With 110 required and nine wickets in hand from 23 overs Highley looked favourites but the drinks break had the desired effect.

Brown removed Steele (75) and next over had Walford (34) well caught by Lewis. With Hill completing his 12 overs for only 26 runs, the required run-rate had climbed to seven an over.

Brown grabbed a deserved third wicket for 35 runs and inexplicably Highley shut-up shop. Spiers returned to claim a second wicket and the Singles' sixth bonus point but the match limped to conclusion with the Singles taking 14 points.