BARNARDS Green 2nd X1 consolidated their lead at the top of the second division of the WCL with a thumping victory over local rivals Eastnor.

Skipper Dick Brown won the toss and had no hesitation in asking the visitors to bat. After a slow start and the loss of three wickets, this brought together Amir and the left handed Faisal who both passed fifty, putting on 112 runs in just 19 overs. A quickfire 29 from Locke helped towards a closing total of 133-8

Given the quality of the wicket, this total was certainly in reach for the strong Green batting line up and openers Derek Goodman and Paul Yorke put on 49 at a rate of a run a ball before Yorke swiped across the line unnecessarily to be bowled by Watkins for 22. John Sherliker joined Goodman and the pair maintained the scoring rate with the 100 coming up in the 17th over.

First Goodman, then Sherliker reached their half centuries as the score raced along. After the stand had realised 162 in 24 overs Sherliker was bowled for 87 by Hurrell but by then the contest was already decided. Paul Drinkwater supported Goodman who just missed out on his century as he guided the Green to victory by eight wickets with 15 overs to spare. His excellent innings included 11 fours and one 6.

Our thanks to match sponsors Alfrick Stores.