BARNARDS Green Singles recorded their first outright win of their WCL season with a comprehensive 144-run victory over Chainwire.

BARNARDS GREEN

SINGLES v CHAINWIRE

Skipper Freeman lost the toss and was asked to make first use of a damp and grassy wicket. The wicket lived up to early predictions as the ball leapt alarmingly.

Leech played his usual belligerent style smashing the ball to all parts and knocking the bowlers out of their stride. When it was pitched up it went straight back past and if it was short it was clearing mid wicket. Curtis at the other end accumulated runs as the Singles got off to a great start.

Leech cleared the ropes to post his 50 as the Singles scored at seven an over and with the score on 129 Leech was well caught on the boundary for an excellent 80, next over Curtis went for an accomplished 41.

This brought Freeman and White together and pair proceeded to take the game away from Chainwire. Both watchful in defensive but savage on anything loose the pair continued the run rate, successive sixes from Freeman brought up his 50 and next over a blistering pull shot brought about White's 50.

Chainwire brought back Williams as the Singles went for even quicker runs; he was rewarded with three wickets as Freeman went for 57 and White for 59. The Singles finished on 275 and the bowlers were raring to go.

Chainwire started in circumspect mood as Bell beat the bat and Brookes had the openers fishing outside off stump. Smith then deposited Bell in the nearby field with two monster sixes leading Freeman to bring on Hooper. He immediately had Smith plumb in front for 23 and Brookes took three quick wickets to leave Chainwire reeling at 39-4.

Hooper's line was now locked on to middle stump, as the Chainwire middle order had no answer to his pace and aggression. At 56-8 the game was virtually over for Chainwire but Meese adopted an aggressive approach and took a liking to Brookes, his last three overs went for 48 but his figures of 4-83 had gone a long way to securing victory.

A ninth wicket stand of 71 held up proceedings but Hooper uprooted Hyams middle stump to give him 5-38 and Clarke snapped up last man Mudge to leave Barnards Green enjoying 24 points and Meese on 90no.

Despite two lapses in the field this was a more than impressive all round performance by the Singles.