RELEGATION worries at Barnt Green CC were eased when the Firsts gained a winning draw at Kidderminster in the Birmingham and District League Prem-ier Division.

Invited to bat on a green wicket, the visitors started poorly against some testing bowling from ex-Worcester and England ace Phil Newport.

He claimed the wickets of Richard Hall, Matt Dallaway and his ex-County team-mate Gavin Haynes.

Some fine running and positive strokeplay from Nick Boulton and Simon Froggatt enabled Barnt Green to pass the 100 mark.

With 25 overs to go, they looked handily placed for a score of 240.

But Kiddy spinners Singh and Mansell caused panic in the lower middle order. Overseas pro Singh grabbed the vital wickets of Boulton (55), Froggatt (41) and Richard Illingworth. Mansell did the rest as Barnt Green collapsed to 180 all out.

Kidderminster's reply began in dramatic fashion with Kiwi seamer Kris Howes claiming the wickets of Sharma and Mansell for no runs.

Worcestershire's James Pipe was smartly run out in the second over thanks to a direct hit from skipper Lyndon Jones and Kidderminster were reeling on 11-3.

Barnt Green turned the screw again as Jon Hayden produced a snorter to bowl Singh. A recovery led by Newport (45) threatened to swing the game Kiddy's way.

But Bradford (20) tried one ambitious shot too many off the bowling of Illingworth and was stumped by Adam Smith.

The Cherry Hill Road outfit sensed the kill again as Smith superbly caught Newport with 70 still needed off 11 overs.

The visitors applied the pressure but were held at bay by veteran Godfrey Lamb (30 not out) as Kidderminster ended on 124-8.

Barnt Green claimed 11 valuable points to keep distance between them and the bottom three clubs.

Jones said: "I'm happy with the way we bounced back after a sub-standard batting display.

"We should have got around 200 or 220 but did not show any nerve or cricketing awareness at the end, which was very disappointing.

"Kris Howes has been a revelation this year. He's been accurate, penetrating and strong.

"The first few overs were unreal, we couldn't ask for a better start."