HAVING lost the toss on a glorious afternoon in this WCL Division Three clash the Green found themselves batting first.

BARNARDS GREEN v VICTORIA AND BLAKELEY

Following the pattern of recent weeks the Green started poorly losing Spencer, R Williams and Drinkwater to the new ball and the Green were in trouble at 19-3 after 12 overs.

This brought together Tim Clarke and Tim Williams. The pair set about repairing the damage and after 20 overs the Green were on 50-3.

Tim Clarke then set about the bowling with powerful shots to all parts of the ground, and that combined with some excellent running, enabled the scoring rate to rise. Tim Williams played a supporting role to Clarke and was eventually out for 28, having added 136 for the 4th wicket.

Alex Lamb then joined the action with an entertaining innings including a sweep for six over square leg off a quick bowler! Tim Clarke then reached his century and went on to post a magnificent innings of 122 including 14 fours and 4 sixes. Lamb then fell for 43 attempting a repeat sweep shot. Chris Hill and Brian Hancock guided the Green through the remaining two overs and helped them finish with a total of 254-6 off 50 overs.

Victoria started reasonably well, scoring at four runs per over for the first 10. Tim Williams then struck claiming the vital wicket of captain Mitchell, caught by brother Rich, diving to the right. Rine, Brookes and Roden all fell in quick succession, all to T Williams, including a neat leg side stumping by Glendinning. Chris Hill then claimed the valuable wicket of Parker.

However Amos and Thomas stopped the rot and started to move dangerously quickly towards the target. Victoria needed 70 off the last 10 overs when Scullion and Williams were reintroduced into the attack. Williams (5-38) bowled Thomas and when Scullion bowled Cook the run chase was abandoned and Victoria finished on 230-7 at the close.

The Green picked up 15 points and just about stay in the promotion hunt, but will be looking for a win tomorrow (Saturday) when they travel to Himbleton.