AFTER a five match winning sequence which has taken the team to the top of their division in the Worcestershire Cricket League, the Green 2nd X1 started this game against local rivals, Nomads, full of confidence.

BARNARDS GREEN II v WORCESTER NOMADS II

Nomads had brought a strong team and everyone was expecting a close contest as Nomads started their innings.

However, it was immediately apparent that the Green were on form again as the opening attack of Fallowfield and Brown gave nothing away, keeping the pressure on the batsmen.

This pressure started to tell in the 11th over when Pearson pushed the ball to Williams at point, called for a run and was unable to beat a fine throw from the fielder when his partner refused the single.

The first 20 overs yielded a mere 37 runs off the bat and the batsmen became increasingly frustrated as the fielders and bowlers worked together to limit the scoring opportunities. Fallowfield then bowled Watkins with a ball that nipped back sharply off the seam and Tim Williams was brought into the attack to destroy the middle order, claiming the wickets of Matts, Allard and Whitby in his first two overs.

Knight and Kelly put on 29 together before Williams bowled his fourth victim with another well pitched up delivery. Skipper Dick Brown bravely brought himself into the attack to replace Fallowfield who had once again bowled a long, steady spell, and soon joined in the success having Knight stumped by Price for 26 and bowling Williams for 7.

At 89 for 7 the innings was in tatters so Wilks sensibly decided to hold things together and managed to get the score up to 130 before he could not resist a teasing long hop from Brown which he hit straight into the hands of Rich Brown at square leg to give the fielder his second catch as the innings closed.

On a good wicket the bowlers had done their job exceptionally well as Williams bagged 5 wickets for 32 and Dick Brown took 3 for 32.

The Green openers started circumspectly, playing back two maidens before looking for runs and Clarke was soon caught behind trying to force a ball from left armer Wilks.

Golder was, however, clearly on good form, hitting the ball powerfully in the V between mid-on and mid-off as the fielders realised that they just could not defend such a small total.

The visiting skipper changed the bowling frequently in an attempt to induce an error from the batsmen but with Middleton growing in confidence and Golder continuing to strike the ball cleanly the score raced along.

Knight's two overs went for 22 runs and Pearson's spinners were even more expensive, costing 24 off two overs.

With victory in easy reach Golder started to slog and was stumped off the bowling of Watkins for an excellent 75 which included 13 fours and 1 six.

This brought the luckless Curtis to the crease. Instead of working the ball around to score the 9 runs needed, he essayed a huge slog off Matts and spooned a simple catch to Knight in the covers. Middleton remained in control, hitting the winning runs in the 23rd over to finish with 37 not out.

Our thanks to match sponsors The Three Nuns, Powick.