BARNARDS Green CC travelled to Harborne on Saturday knowing that 13 points would finally secure promotion to division one of the Worcestershire County League.

HARBORNE v BARNARDS GREEN

With this in mind, and a hot day and flat wicket, Green skipper Chris Smedley had no hesitation in deciding to bat first. Mark Hooper struck two glorious boundaries before being caught off an equally attractive shot, leaving the Green 15-1.

Daniel Flynn was then dropped first ball to a simple chance at square leg. This was to cost Harborne dearly. Kevin Golder was also dropped early on and after these scares, the pair set about destroying the home attack. The ball was flying to all parts with Flynn in particular showing no mercy to the bowlers. Golder too was stroking the ball well and the pair completed 50s. Flynn then found some more gears and raced to 100 in the 21st over.

After drinks, he continued his savage attack as the Green raced to a huge total. Flynn finally fell attempting another aerial shot and was caught at deep extra cover for 184. The innings included 15 6s and took just 27 overs. Golder completed a superb century shortly after. Gary Lewis contributed 32 and Tim Clarke an unbeaten 20 as the Green posted a colossal 417-6 in 48 overs declared.

Realistically needing only three wickets for promotion, the Green started well when Tim Williams removed both openers with the aid of catches from T Clarke and Golder.

Paul Drinkwater then got the vital third wicket, caught behind by Adam Binks.

Harborne then dropped the anchors and made no attempt to score and concentrated on survival. Jez Clarke and later Daniel Flynn and Duncan Bell picked up wickets but the Green were unable to gain any momentum and ran out of overs. Harborne closed on 155-7.

The Green picked up 15 points and achieved a second successive promotion, which is testament to all the hard work that both the players and club officials have put in.

They look forward to the challenge that division one will undoubtedly provide.

Tomorrow (Saturday), the Green complete their league campaign at home to Netherton, a side that has chased them for so long.