BARNARDS Green Thirds took the short trip over the river to play Worcester on a warm and sunny Saturday afternoon.

WORCESTER III v BARNARDS GREEN III

Worcester skipper Dave Tyrer won the toss and inserted the Green on a wicket that produced some variable bounce, but the Green got off to a solid start thanks to some variable bowling.

Dave Knapper (30) was particularly punishing of anything overpitched and Lee Dyment (14) helped him to take the score to 69.

The introduction of Dave Harris and Kelvin Beeching slowed the run rate down and produced the first two wickets of the day as both openers departed.

Nick Rogers (58) then played a solid innings to score his first senior 50 for the club and was well supported by Phil Spencer (35) who enjoyed an entertaining battle with old stalwart Roger Weston.

Honours were even when Roger had Phil caught and he also disposed of Nick to finish with 4-38 and Dave Harris 3-33.

The Green limped to 221 off their 45 overs thanks to a late effort from Dave Price (14no) who produced great entertainment whilst batting with daughter Emily (4no).

Extras of 47 also helped greatly.

In reply, the Green's bowling left much to be desired and Worcester made light of the total helped by an abundance of extras and some poor fielding soon raced to 224-6. Top scorers were D Tarver with 56 and R Franks with 42.

Pick of the bowlers were Emily Price with 2-49 and Phil Spencer 0-30 off seven overs.

Tomorrow (Saturday) the Green entertain top of the league table Colwall Thirds at Newland.