ON a warm summer's afternoon the Green second team found themselves in the middle of Hereford racecourse examining the flat wicket and wondering how many runs they would have to chase after the home side had chosen to bat first.

Opener Osbourne soon declared his intentions, hitting any loose ball powerfully and not being afraid to launch the ball over the infield. His partner, Morgan, tried the same tactic but could only hit the ball into the safe hands of James Curtis in the covers to give Robbie Lewis his first wicket.

Osbourne continued to dominate proceedings, hitting Lewis for a six over long on, but the bowler stuck to his line and length to dismiss Brett, neatly stumped down the leg side by Price whose wicketkeeping impressed everyone.

James Watson took a superb one handed catch off his own bowling to dismiss Osbourne for 71. Duncan Bell came on to blow away the tail, claiming four wickets in two overs to dismiss Hereford for 180.

Once again the Green made an uncertain start, losing James Curtis for a duck in the second over. John Sherliker and Andy Middleton (70no) started to push the ball into the gaps. Sherliker was first to reach 50 but then thrashed a wide ball from Fowler into the hands of Osbourne leaving Robbie Lewis (30 no) to help finish off the task.