BARNARDS Green welcomed rivals Belbroughton to North End Lane last Saturday in what proved to be a vain attempt at completing this Worcestershire Cricket League Division Three match.

After persistent but not heavy rain the previous day and night the ground was dry enough to play but progress was regularly stunted by further showers.

Eventually proceedings were under way at around 3pm, with visiting skipper Colin Baggs winning the toss and putting the Green in to bat on a green and damp wicket.

Jez Clarke showed a return to form at the top of the order with some excellent shots, with one notable cover drive. Skipper Rich Williams found the early going tough but found form when Clarke fell to Farmer for 21 with the score on 34.

Dan Flynn then joined Williams and the pair took the attack to Belbroughton. Their unbeaten partnership realised 83 runs in 10 overs. Williams remained unbeaten on 48 and Flynn with 37.

Rain then interrupted for the final time. Teams took tea early but this heavy shower caused the pitch to become unplayable.

The Green felt disappointed to have such a good start unrewarded but took heart from the form shown by the batsmen.

Both teams took five points.

Tomorrow (Saturday) the Green will travel to Birlingham and will be looking to kick start their rain interrupted season.

They make only one change with the fit again Chris Smedley coming in for the absent James Curtis. Thanks to match sponsors Alfrick Stores.