NEEDING to record a maximum points victory in the final league game of the season if his team was to have a chance of overhauling league leaders Belbroughton, Barnards Green skipper Dick Brown chose to bat first against Rushwick.

BARNARDS GREEN 2ND XI V RUSHWICK 2ND XI

The Green batsmen were not at their best and they were all out for 130. It would have been worse without a determined innings from Derek Goodman who was left unbeaten on 60no.

The home side now needed to be on top form with the ball and in the field to restrict Rushwick but despite the efforts of Duncan Bell (3-29) all the batsmen made some contribution as Steve Blight batted for over 30 overs to score 39. Stuart Fletcher had the dangerous Powell caught by Hancock at mid-wicket and Matt Brookes clean bowled Woodbridge but a couple of vital chances failed to stick and although Rushwick were uncertain of victory at 93-5 Bryant (14no) and Hughes (16 no) saw them home with plenty of overs in hand.

Thanks to match sponsors Clarke Roxburgh.

- Barnards Green Thirds were involved in a lifeless draw at Feckenham. The only bright spot was Green skipper Robin Longmore who top-scored with 46 runs out of 232-7 and then took 6-56 as the game petered out for a draw with Feckenham on 185-8.

- Barnards Green 'singles' ended their league campaign with an emphatic and entertaining victory over Hewell by six wickets.

Hewell made 226-7 but rapid-scoring by Phil Spencer (51) and Steve Metcalfe (80) combined with a mature innings of 50no from Mike Genever set up the Green for a convincing win.

- Barnards Green Sunday 1st XI made the long trip to Swindon, Staffs for a Sunday League game and were asked to field.

The opening attack of Duncan Bell and Tim Williams bowled well and were rewarded with two wickets each as the home side struggled. Skipper Smith and Beech (31) repaired the damage. Smith reached his 100 as the innings closed on 239.

In reply, Green set off scoring six an over for the first 12 overs. Both Judd Doughty (67) and Simon Cooke (38) particularly severe on anything loose.

Danny Flynn, with support from skipper Mark Hooper (10) and Kevin Ratcliffe (15no), then saw the Green home with ten overs to spare, Flynn reached his 100 with a huge six to win the game.