ON a rare sunny Sunday afternoon at North End Lane, home skipper Andy Lamb won the toss and surprisingly asked local rivals Malvern Ramblers to bat in this 40-over contest.

BARNARDS GREEN SUNDAY 1ST XI v MALVERN RAMBLERS

Visiting openers Baugh and Walker made steady progress against the inconsistent bowling of Brown and Clare but made little headway against the old campaigners Lamb and Hill.

Hill it was who made the breakthrough having Walker caught at long on and then dismissing the sartorial Baugh with the help of a good catch by 'keeper Tim Price.

Paul Young batted solidly for the Ramblers before being run out thanks to an excellent return from Martin Heaton, and visiting skipper Arnold fell in similar fashion following a mix-up with Carter. The dangerous Rob Francis smote a huge six before essaying a suicidal single off a no ball!

The Green's resolve in pulling back Ramblers total to 192 off their 40 overs when at 20 over a total of 240+ was on the cards was a good testament to an excellent team spirit.

In pursuing their target the Green never looked in trouble with an opening partnership of 117. Young Kevin Golder batted with a confident maturity above his years to reach an entertaining 57, Chris Hill was a model of consistency, and he too moved to a classy half-century before losing Golder.

Any thoughts Hill had of recording a century were scotched by the arrival of Jason Young who continued his rich vein of form striking the ball to all corners: his rapid 53 included a six into Charles Way and nine fours. This carried the Green to a nine wicket victory with eight overs to spare.

Our thanks to match sponsor Automated Packaging Systems.