THE dream of reaching Lord's was dashed for another season as Barnt Green CC lost to Caythorpe by 69 runs in the Cockspur National Knockout Cup at home on Sunday.

Green, who beat Nottinghamshire based Caythorpe to reach the final at the home of cricket in 2005, were no match for their opponents spinners.

The home side were aiming to surpass Caythorpe's score of 203 but fell foul of bowlers James Hawley (4-30) and Billy Wright (2-13).

Captain Simon Froggatt said: "The best side won on the day. Maybe if we had won the toss it would have made a difference but that's neither here nor there. Caythorpe had three really good spinners and they took advantage of the conditions.

"Everyone was a bit low after the game because it means we've got nothing to chase after, which is the first time in a few years we've had nothing to go for. We always want to do well in this competition and the team felt we could make it all the way to the final, but I suppose we'll have to wait until 2007."

With Froggatt unavailable because of a calf strain Matt Rawnsley was named captain for the day. His opposite number, James Hindson, won the toss and opted to bat first on a hot day.

But the home side drew first blood when Gareth Williams (1-34) had opener Samuel Ogrizovic stumped for nine runs. Paul Riley (40) made an impact with the bat for Caythorpe but he was bowled by Mehraj Ahmed.

Smith ran out William Sabey (23) and Phil Mann (3-33) dismissed David Milns (34) and Hindson (29). Despite a flurry of late runs by Andrew Hunt (20) and Wright (21) Green restricted Caythorpe to 203 all out in the 44th over.

The home side made a disastrous start with the bat, losing Richard Hall (7) and Nathan Newport (5) as Green fell to 13-2. Stuart Shephard (33) added some runs but Barnt Green's wickets kept tumbling.

Richard Wilkinson (11), Paul Bedford (14), Lyndon Jones (17) and Rawnsley could not make an impact before Mann caused a late fight back with 30 runs.

However, once his strike partner Ahmed was caught by Andrew Hunt off James Hawley's delivery Green had lost any momentum and finished on 134 all out in the 39th over.

Froggatt now has the task of inspiring his team to a top three finish in the Birmingham and District League Premier Division. After Saturday's narrow win over Shrewsbury Green are seventh and in touching distance of third placed Kenilworth Wardens.

He said: "All we can do is concentrate on the league. If we can win four games in a row - and we are more than capable of that - then there's no reason why we can't go for second place in the table."

One player who may not be of any assistance is all rounder Roger Sillence, who played his first game for Green on Saturday. The captain expects Sillence to play for his county side Worcestershire for much of the season.

Froggatt said: " I don't think we'll see Roger again this month as he has to play three more games for Worcestershire before the end of July. It's a shame because he's a useful player."

Barnt Green go to Kidderminster Victoria in the league this Saturday (1pm start).

l Green all rounder David Wigley could be playing against the stars of Pakistan tomorrow (Thursday). Wigley is contracted to Northamptonshire, which is playing the tourists in a three day match.

by Peter McKinney