4/6/04 - Barnards Green go to top of table

BARNARDS GREEN v HARBORNE

With Harborne two points clear of the Green it promised to be a good battle. Chris Smedley won the toss for the Green and invited Harborne to bat.

Despite tight opening spells from Harrison and Williams they were unable to make an early breakthrough. Harborne batted very cautiously and at drinks had advanced to only 70 for no wicket after 25 overs

Clive Churchill then struck by bowling Law for 39, attempting to increase the score rate. Clarke and Boult were able to maintain a reasonable grip on the batsmen despite the loss of no further wickets. Harborne ended their innings on 216-1 after 50 overs.

In reply, the Green, through openers J Clarke and Drinkwater, started very solidly. Drinkwater was the first wicket to fall with the score on 56 in the 17th over, to a ball which kept slightly low.

Boult and Clarke increased the tempo, both playing shots all round the wicket. Boundaries flowed regularly and Clarke went to his second fifty of the league season with a square cut for four.

Clarke then fell after striking the ball very cleanly straight to cover. Clarke made 69 with 12 fours.

Tim Clarke joined Boult and the pair continued to dominate the Harborne attack. Having reached 49 Jono Boult offered a simple catch to leave the Green 162-3.

Skipper Smedley joined Tim Clarke and hit seven 4s in 29 not out, and along with the impressive Clarke the pair confidently took the Green towards victory. With six runs needed for victory Clarke lofted Mason into North End Lane to finish on 38no.

The Green had reached their target with eight overs to spare and are now nine points clear at the top of the table with Harborne dropping to third place.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Barnards Green travel to Martley and will be looking to carry on their good form and maintain their momentum in an ever improving season.

Thanks to sponsors Stephen Watkins School of Pianoforte and Interkey.