ON Saturday Division Three D Champions Barnards Green 3rds entertained St John's Ladywood in a 40 over friendly.

Invited to bat, St John's were soon in trouble losing four wickets to the youth and pace of 15 year old Duncan Bell and the experience and guile of the ageless Robbie Lewis, both of whom picked up two wickets and were well supported by their fielders with catches from Marc Jones and a reflex slip catch from youngster John Sherliker. Jennings and Joyner then set about rebuilding the St John's innings before Jennings was well caught by Under 13 Jonathan Lewis off the bowling of Under 11 Phil Harris bowling into a gale force wind. Jamie Longmore bowled well with little luck before bowling Shah for five and skipper Robin Longmore took two further wickets before the re-introduction of Duncan Bell who cleared up the tail to finish with the excellent figures of four for 38.

In reply, Keith Middleton and Lee Dyment got the innings off to a solid start before a misunderstanding saw Middleton run out for ten, Jones followed soon after before Dyment was bowled for 15. John Sherliker 95no and Robbie Lewis 31no then saw the Green home to a comfortable seven wicket victory with five overs to spare.

Many thanks to match sponsors The Red Lion Pub House at Powick and groundsman Andy Wheeler for another good track.