IN a dramatic finale to the season, Barnards Green Singles gained the necessary points off the last ball of the match to see them crowned as the Worcestershire County League division five champions.

The Singles were asked to make first use of a dry wicket and openers Ratcliffe and Doughty made steady progress until Ratcliffe departed for seven. Freeman kept Doughty company as the prolific opener started to find the boundary. Freeman was then unceremoniously retired hurt with one that jagged back.

With Belbroughton giving Edwards a deserved rest, the Green accelerating the scoring as Curtis peppered long-on and off whilst Doughty was now striking the ball to all parts and his dismissal for 48 came as a surprise to all.

The Green middle order decided today was the days for runs and all made significant contributions to the total. Curtis 29, Brown with a sparkling 44, Beavan with a wristy 34 and a powerful 27 from Metcalfe ensured the Green posted a decent score. The returning Freeman and Hill perished in the quest for quick runs but 243 looked a good score.

The Belbroughton response was slow starting and the Green knew that the winning draw would be sufficient for the championship. After Boardman's dismissal, the incoming Burrows upped the tempo but the scoring rate was creeping ever upwards.

Matt Brookes bowled 12 straight for a miserly 27 but the batters now went on the offensive. Ratcliffe could not find a bowler to make the necessary breakthrough until Hill had Knights well caught in the deep for 43. G Ross made his attacking intentions clear from the first ball and, with Burrows starting to open up, the Singles found themselves on the back foot.

With 80 needed off 13 overs the title was slipping away. Steve Beavan then ran out Burrows for a fine 68. Doughty was brought back and quickly removed Ross for 48. Belbroughton continued the chase but Doughty, aided by some fine catching in the deep, put the Singles in charge with 5-48. Stokes had other ideas and with 33 required off the last three overs and then 18 off the last, it was down to wise campaigner Chris Hill to bowl.

A boundary, dot and single brought Stokes on strike, who smashed a huge six then a scrambled two, leaving Belbroughton with six to win.

To the delight and relief of the Singles players, he could only manage two and Barnards Green were the division five champions.