Old Hill 81 all out

Barnt Green 82-2

Barnt Green win by eight wickets

GARETH Williams produced a devastating performance with the ball as Barnt Green made a comprehensive start to the Birmingham and District League Premier Division on Saturday.

The paceman had been in red-hot form in Green's build up to season and he maintained that with a brilliant display - taking six wickets for 20 runs.

Victory gave captain Richard Illingworth the perfect start in his first league match as captain.

He said: "It's always important to win our first game and we did so comfortably.

"Our bowlers had been in excellent form and they kept that going.

"To take six wickets for so few runs was out standing for Gareth."

Green were expecting a tough fight from an Old Hill side which had enjoyed an impressive pre-season.

However, the home side brushed them aside. Despite changeable weather, which switched from bright sunlight to hail stones, the game was not cut short.

Green's bowlers struck early on to hand their side a strong start, with Kris Howes (2-32) removing opener Attiq-ur-Rehman, before Illingworth caught Davies off Williams' delivery.

Once Williams had removed Ruwait Khan (27) Old Hill's challenge with the bat collapsed.

Roger Sillence, allocated for the summer from Gloucestershire, took 27-2, as Old Hill were dismissed for 81.

Richard Hall added the extra impetus with a commanding 44, while Sillence was bowled for seven.

Paul Bedford (seven not out) guided his side to 82-2 in the 20th over.

Illingworth said: "Old Hill have some good players, so it was pleasing to see us come through comfortably.

"They're certainly going to be a strong side in the league and a good example of the sort of challenges we're going to face."

The captain was quick to praise wicket keeper Adam Smith.

Illingworth said: "I though Adam was excellent. I hope I'm not cursing him by saying that because he's done very well."