Barnards Green 3rd's entertained Old Elizabethan 3rd's on yet another gloomy Saturday afternoon.

BARNARDS GREEN III v OLD ELIZABETHANS III

Put in to bat, the Green made an inauspicious start with Rob Lewis and Marc Jones both unable to find their timing. When Green bowled Jones, Lee Dyment came in and hit a quick fire 19 whilst Lewis was scratching away at the other end.

When Dyment was caught off Neel, new batsman Simon Cooke (52) took on the OE's bowling and this appeared to give confidence to partner Lewis who started timing the ball eventually reaching a splendid century and finishing 113no.

Brief cameos from Henry Gregory (12) and Robin Longmore (11) took the total to 227-7.

In reply, an excellent opening spell by youngsters Duncan Bell and Mike Oakes appeared to cause OE's to go into their shells, particularly after Bell had Moreland well caught by Andy Lamb. The introduction of Lamb, who bowled a meticulous eight overs for five runs, effectively killed the game as a contest and skipper for the day Marc Jones sensibly brought himself and Simon Cooke on to try and keep OE's interested.

This appeared initially to work as OE's looked for some bonus points. When Walton dared to take a second to Bob Rogers fielding at slip, a direct hit saw him run out by yards. Walker was well caught by Longmore off Jones and Lewis came on to remove Smith clean bowled for 35.

The game petered out into a tame draw with the Green picking up 13 points.

Many thanks to match sponsors Clarke Roxburgh and The Red Lion at Powick.