BARNARDS GREEN II v HIMBLETON II

RAIN prevented Barnards Green 2nds from improving their league position on Saturday when they were well placed to overhaul Himbleton's total at North End lane.

Batting first, the visitors found it hard to make progress against some controlled bowling from Robbie Lewis and Matt Brookes.

Brookes soon bowled Benjamin with an in-swinger and Lewis had Pretty well caught by Goodman running backwards at mid-on.

When the bowling was changed Preece and Cordle saw the opportunity to increase the run rate, punishing any loose deliveries. Preece moved on to 42 before striking a long hop from Dick Brown straight to mid-wicket, where Jamie Longmore held another good catch. Robbie Lewis managed to cling on to a catch at long off at the second attempt to get rid of the dangerous Cordle for 61.

As the rain increased Matt Brookes claimed his second wicket before the players were forced from the field for more than an hour.

When the skies cleared temporarily James Curtis and Brian Hancock opened the innings for the Green needing to score 215 in 42 overs to secure victory.

After a slow start, with Alford bowling particularly well, both batsmen were striking the ball confidently, taking the score on to 74 in the 13th over .

Unfortunately, despite the players' efforts with tarpaulins, brushes and forks, the weather had the last word.

Many thanks to match sponsors Classic Interiors.