ON a hot day Barnards Green 1st XI skipper Rich Williams won the toss and made the positive decision to bat first against WCL new boys Hereford City.

BARNARDS GREEN v HEREFORD CITY

He and Jez Clarke saw off the opening bowlers, including West Indian paceman Franklyn, without loss, but the introduction of the slower bowlers saw wickets begin to tumble leaving Green on 51-6.

Chris Hill (20) and Phil Spencer (48) fought back in an excellent partnership of 64 in just 15 overs, a series of powerful shots from Spencer including one huge six over mid on off Franklyn.

When Spencer and Hill fell in quick succession, Judd Doughty (29) marshalled the tail and Green closed on 165 all out.

In reply, Hereford lost two early wickets to Tim Williams (2-40) in an aggressive spell. Brown soon added a third and at 45-3 the game was well balanced.

However Mokler and Hunt played well in an unbeaten partnership, and despite a close run out call never really looked in danger as Hereford moved to their target for the loss of three wickets. Green bowled too many loose balls and were unable to restrict the flow of runs.