GREEN played their first game in the Sunday League for Worcestershire clubs and went down by six wickets to old rivals Ombersley.

OMBERSLEY I v BARNARDS GREEN I

On a breezy sunny day Green skipper Andy Lamb elected to bat and after the early loss of Jez Clarke, Rich Williams and Paul Drinkwater moved the score along until the former was stumped. Drinkwater, making his second successive Sunday half century, and Phil Divito added 97 in style before Drinkwater was run out; Divito then fell to a superb catch behind the wicket. Kevin Ratcliffe marshalled the tail effectively and some lusty blows from Brad Adams saw the Green total 208-7 off their 45 overs.

It was vital that the Green started tightly but the opposite occurred. Collins, batting aggressively, was particularly severe on James Watson, and Ombersley raced to 124 before losing their first wicket in the 18th over when Williams trapped Hobbs.

Some excellent tight bowling then ensued from Williams, Tim Clarke and Brad Adams, to the extent that Collins holed out for an excellent 98 and the home side still needed 25 off the last five overs.

The Green could not quite save it, however, as McLaughlin smote three boundaries in the 43rd over to see Ombersley home.

Next Sunday the Green entertain Birmingham League side Bromsgrove, start 2pm.