West Bromwich Dartmouth 106-8

Barnt Green 108-3

Barnt Green win by eight wickets

DEFENDING champions Barnt Green cruised into the semi-finals of the Graham Williamson Trophy with a comfortable victory over their Black Country rivals on Saturday.

Captain Richard Illingworth experienced another satisfying victory in his side's build-up to the Birmingham and District Premier Division.

The captain was also pleased that batsman Paul Bedford showed glimpses of his prowess.

The former Water Orton batsmen hit an impressive 41 not out, which steered Green to victory.

Illingworth said: "Our bowlers gave us an excellent platform and the batsmen did their job."

Gareth Williams maintained his excellent form so far by taking three wickets for nine runs, while Kris Howes took two as West Bromwich were restricted to a meagre 106 in 40 overs.

Bedford then hit two sixes as he chalked up 41 runs.

At the other end Kieran Rees hit a six to seal victory as Barnt Green made 108-3.

Praised

Illingworth praised Bedford for overcoming a bout of nerves before making his debut.

He said: "Paul told me he was the most nervous he'd ever been before making his debut.

"But you couldn't tell, he played very well and got a couple of big shots in."

Now the captain is focusing his attention on Saturday's Premier Division opener at home to Old Hill (1pm start).

Roger Sillence, who has been allocated to Barnt Green by Gloucestershire, is set to make his start for Green on Saturday.

Sillence is a promising player who hit 92 runs against Warwickshire.

Illingworth said: "Roger bring something else to the team and looks in good shape."

Illingworth is expecting a stiff test as his side aim to go one further than last season and win the Premier Division this summer.

Saturday's opponents are in excellent form - comfortably defeating Harborne in the Trophy on Saturday.

Batsmen Ruwait Khan (146 in 97 balls), Attiq-ur-Rehman (122 in 73 balls) and Depesh Patel (62 not out in 36 balls) helped Old Hill power to 375-6.

Illingworth said: "Old Hill are playing really well at the moment and they will be eager to beat us.

"We haven't been tested yet, the bowlers have been getting wickets so our batsmen have not been given a big target to chase just yet."

Green take on Ludlow and South Shropshire in the National Knockout Cup away Sunday.

Matt Dallaway, who has been kept out of the build-up to the league with an ankle injury, is set to play one of the weekend's games.