BARNARDS Green Saturday 1st XI opened their 2005 campaign on Saturday, hosting Tewkesbury.

Having gained promotion to division two, the Green are looking forward to another successful year.

The club has been strengthened by some new arrivals and things are looking very promising.

With showers through the night, the game was forced onto the artificial strip and was still only made possible by sterling work on the outfield by groundsman Roy Mayo.

Green skipper Chris Smedley won the toss and elected to bat.

Rich Williams and Paul Drink-water formed a new opening pair and put the bowling to the sword. Both fell in quick succession, Williams shy of 50 and Drinkwater just reaching the landmark.

Smedley looked in excellent touch, hammering boundaries all round the wicket, including a huge six. Having reached his 50 in very quick time, he retired hurt.

Kevin Golder and Mark Hooper then joined forces, the former playing some strokes of unbelievable power, passing 50 with ease.

Hooper, on his debut for the Green, stroked the ball around well, allowing Golder to continue his onslaught. He took 24 off the penultimate over and 15 off the last, the Green closing on 268 for 3 off 40 overs.

Tewkesbury were never able to get into the game. Openers Tim Williams and Steve Metcalfe applied a stranglehold and the visitors were three down despite several dropped chances.

Jez Clarke, after a shaky start, settled into a good rhythm and picked up a couple of wickets and Mark Hooper, bowling with good consistency, picked up three.

Williams (3-10) returned to claim the final wicket, all out for 141.

The Green complete early season friendlies tomorrow (Saturday) at local rivals Worcester CC.