NORTH End Lane was the venue for another close fought game on Sunday when the Green's 1st XI lost by 19 runs to the long standing visitors Droitwich.

BARNARDS GREEN 1ST XI v DROITWICH 1ST XI

Losing the toss yet again the home side stuck to their task well in the face of an early onslaught from Steve Bryan who was eventually bowled by the persevering Richard Brown.

A smart run out from Derek Goodman saw Droitwich need to consolidate and Paul Bryan treated the bowling of Clarke, Harvey and Heaton with due respect so much so that Tim Clarke finished with 0-10 off 8 overs.

Bryan however used all his experience and skill to accelerate in the last five overs to see Droitwich to 183 off their 40 overs, Bryan finishing on an excellent 73 not out.

The Green made a steady start before Jez Clarke fell lbw with the score on 12 but the in form Rich Williams and James Marriott progressed steadily to 65 before the latter was run out after slipping.

This proved a turning point as Harvey went cheaply and Williams, batting with great assurance, picked out a man in the deep who made a fine catch.

Goodman smote the ball well in a quick fire 22 and Ratcliffe and Clarke maintained the seven an over required. All perished in the pursuit of this and the task of scoring 30 off the last three overs proved beyond the capabilities of Green's tail enders.

Droitwich deserved their win in a hard fought enjoyable contest.

Our thanks to sponsors Jim's Fish Bar.