BARNARDS Green thirds emerged with the winning draw after a superb innings from Paul Yorke put the Green in command, but ultimately the home side easily held out to deny the Green bowlers.

KIDDERMINSTER VICTORIA v BARNARDS GREEN III

Ratcliffe agonised over his decision but chose to bat. Doughty and Yorke made steady progress on good track and soon the short boundaries were being peppered and the Green took drinks at 77-0.

Doughty (48) then slapped the first ball straight to cover and two more quick wickets saw the Green 96-3.

Skipper Ratcliffe (28) proved a superb foil for Yorke and the pair added 70 runs. Yorke was playing shots all around the field and aided by Metcalfe (19) and White (17) plundered 120 runs. Yorke finished on an excellent 138no and the home side were chasing 284.

Chris Hill forced an early opening but Yorke was unable to hang on to the chance as steady progress was made toward the Green total.

Churchill, bowling with fire and pace, was hurrying the batters but at drinks they were well-placed. A suicidal run saw Roden depart for 30 and Churchill (2-53) then nipped out two batters to see the balance shift towards the Green.

Doughty (2-56) now stifled the innings with some excellent bowling, Trickett well held for 20 and Cook holed-out to Ratcliffe for 58.

Ratcliffe rotated his bowlers but the wicket was too good and despite losing two more wickets Kidderminster easily held out at 224-7.