MARK Meese batted superbly for Chainwire but could not save his team-mates in Worcestershire League Division Five.

Meese ran out of batting partners as he ended on 90 not out in the Kidderminster outfit's 144 all out which was 131 runs too short.

After being put in to bat, opponents Barnards Green got off to a flying start through openers R Leech (80) and J Curtis (41) who put on 129 in 22 overs.

After their dismissals, captain S Freeman hit 57 and D White 59, adding 124 runs for the third wicket.

Chainwire did not give up and took five wickets for 15 runs in the last five overs with Jason Williams returning 3-67.

Chasing 275-7, Chainwire were reduced to 56-8, thanks to fine spells from L Hooper (5-38) and M Brookes (4-83).

Only the ninth-wicket stand of 73, with Meese's 90 including four sixes and 13 fours, gave Chainwire the four points.

Barnards Green 275-7, Chainwire 144.