HOLDERS Barnt Green made a searing start to their defence of the Graham Williamson Trophy on Saturday.

The Green, who have won the competition both times in its first two seasons, comfortably defeated under strength Moseley by ten wickets.

Bowler Gareth Williams made an impressive debut for his new side by taking four wickets for 30 runs.

Chris Howe also chipped in with two wickets as the Green's Birmingham opponents crumbled to 93 all out.

Opener Richard Hall then calmly took command with the bat as he struck 54 runs from 59 balls.

Hall was also ably backed up by new-boy James Samworth (26 not out) as Barnt Green cruised to 94-0.

Reflected

New captain Richard Illingworth reflected upon his first victory since taking over from Lyndon Jones.

He said: "Moseley didn't field their strongest side but we'll take any sort of win at this stage of the season.

"The fielding was excellent and Moseley's captain admitted we'll be a good side this summer.

"This is a competition we have take a liking to over the last few seasons and I'm delighted we're through to the next round."

Illingworth's side defend their 100 per-cent unbeaten record in the Trophy on Saturday when they go to West Bromwich Dartmouth.

Green's opponents in round two defeated Sutton Coldfield.

Sterner test

Illingworth's side was given a much sterner test in the first round of the National Knockout Cup by Alsager on Sunday.

It took a late flurry of runs by Howes to make sure the 2001 finalists progressed into the second round.

On a slow pitch Green restricted the Cheshire side to 134 all out.

However, the visitors were never allowed to settle and slumped to 26-3.

Green struggled on and when Howes stepped up to the crease they were 103-7, before he helped them edge to 136-7.

Illingworth said: "We did our best to lose the game against Alsager.

"If the players were honest enough to look at their performances they would admit they were not at their best.

"The most important thing is we are through to the next round."

* Big hitting batsman Matt Dallaway is expected to miss Saturday's Graham Williamson Trophy game at West Bromwich Dartmouth.

Dallaway is carrying an ankle injury, which kept him out of last weekend's cup games.

Illingworth said: "He's a doubt at the moment and it's better that I give him a chance to heal properly, rather than throw him in when he's not fit."