BARNARDS Green, fresh from gaining promotion to division one of the Worcestershire County League last week, welcomed Netherton to the North End Lane.

BARNARDS GREEN v NETHERTON

With the weather not looking too settled, but with two keen sides, the captains decided to start the game and end the season with some cricket and not an abandonment.

Chris Smedley decided to bat first on a hard, bouncy track. Rich Williams and Kevin Golder started well and completed fine seasons with half centuries. Williams passed 600 league runs with 81 and Golder fell just short of 600 with his 76. Adam Binks, promoted up the order due to an illness to Daniel Flynn, made the most of his opportunity in making a patient 35.

Paul Drinkwater and Gary Lewis both reached double figures as the Green looked to build a sizeable total. However a flurry of wickets stemmed the run rate. Daniel Flynn in his last game before returning to New Zealand overcame his earlier sickness and together with Tim Williams added 25 off the last three overs to leave the Green on 268.

The Green's new ball attack of Dan Flynn and 15-year-old debutant Phil Harris started well with both beating the bat regularly. Flynn picked up the wicket of S Oseland with a ball that got exaggerated bounce. Harris was unlucky to remain wicket less after a fine spell. Netherton built steadily and the Green were unable to take wickets regularly.

Tim Williams finally took two quick wickets, to leave the game in the balance. Paul Drinkwater then added two wickets himself, but not after Stibborn had managed a rapid 44.

With the game slipping away from the Green, Duncan Bell returned to take two quick wickets but he, along with Harris and Williams, could stop the flow of boundaries. Netherton reached their target with eight balls to spare to win by three wickets.

Although this was a disappointing end for the Green they can look back on the season with great pride after achieving promotion in their first season in division two.

The club will be looking forward to next season and hope they can establish themselves in the Worcestershire League's top division.

Thanks to match sponsors Link Tools.