BARNARDS Green Sunday 1st XI recorded their sixth win of the season in defeating a young Halesowen side on Sunday at North End Lane by the comfortable margin of six wickets.

BARNARDS GREEN 1ST XI v HALESOWEN 1ST XI

The visitors won the toss and elected to bat and made a steady start before Green first team debutant Henry Gregory produced an excellent slower ball to bowl Everett and Tim Williams removed R Northover in the next over.

Morrison began to strike the ball cleanly and he and D Northover added 41 in five overs before skipper Andy Lamb took a firmly struck return catch to dismiss Northover. Morrison was joined by his captain Andy McGrath and these two batted with authority to take Halesowen to 118-3 in the 25th over.

Seeking to make something happen Lamb turned to the occasional volatile qualities of Phil Divito and Dick Brown, who rewarded his faith in their ability by removing both batsmen caught at the wicket to leave the visitors on 146-6.

Despite some late blows from Tandy, the Green dismissed Halesowen for 186 with Henry Gregory returning to claim the last three wickets to finish with creditable 4 - 57 on his first outing at senior level.

In reply the Green made a poor start, losing Andy Wheeler and Kevin Golder for 5 and 19 respectively.

Promoted in the order, Tim Williams took the home side to 44 before he became the third wicket: throughout this time Phil Divito had presented a solid barrier to Halesowen and when joined by Kevin Ratcliffe, victory for the Green looked certain as they added 71 without alarm before Ratcliffe misdrove to cover.

John Sherliker, making a rare Sunday appearance, now added a solid look to a partnership of 87 which saw the Green to a six wicket victory as Phil Divito completed a steady 50 before moving up a gear to reach 88no at the close.

Thanks to match sponsor Rob Boswell Financial Services.

Next Sunday, the Green 1st XI travel to Barnt Green of the Birmingham League.