CUTNALL Green Cricket Club fell nine runs short of the target in a 40-over match against Alvechurch on Sunday.

Green won the toss and put Alvechurch in to bat. Alvechurch openers K Payton (66) and J Lavender (70) put on an excellent opening partnership of 164 in the first 28 overs.

The middle order collapsed but a sound tail end stand from Smith (24) saw Alvechurch to 252-8. In reply, Green's Neil Fletcher (163) went on the attack, reaching his century off 14.4 overs. Supported by P Talbot (26) the opening partnership was 148 of 28 overs.

At 216-2 off 32 overs, victory looked good for Green. But they collapsed and fell nine runs short of the target.