BARNARDS Green first XI entertained Droitwich Spa CC for what promised to be a good WCL division one game under sunny skies.

BARNARDS GREEN v DROITWICH SPA

Droitwich won the toss and asked the home side to bat. A prompt 1.30pm start was possible which saw a steady opening against accurate bowling.

After four overs and just 15 minutes, the rain started to fall but after only a five-minute break play was resumed.

Rich Williams and Kev Golder scored steadily, taking the total to 40 runs off 11 overs, when Kev Golder was out for 23, trying to force a drive through mid-on only to be well-caught by Goddard off A Field's bowling.

Green's captain Chris Smedley was soon out getting an unexpected quick ball that took his stumps, bowled by Gariff. The score was now suddenly 47-2 by over 13.

Mark Hooper joined the in-form Rich Williams and they built a sound partnership of 72 by over 32 until the dark clouds threatened and Hooper, losing concentration, fell caught behind by wicketkeeper Walsh off the bowling of M Rogers for 28.

As the new batsman started to leave the pavilion, with the team score at 119-3 in over 32, the heavens opened and play was halted.

Tea was taken, followed by much mopping-up and forking by the home side, assisted by the spectators, in an attempt to get the ground in playable condition.

Both captains, desperate to play some cricket, agreed to start again after a 90-minute suspension.

The umpires, not happy, went along with the decision with a wet outfield and very damp square.

The Green found batting very difficult and soon found themselves at 138-7 by over 36, leaving Andy Ford and Jez Clarke to pick up the pieces. They both got to 6no by the 39th over when the deluge came again, this time with hailstones.

The match was abandoned at 6.30pm with Barnards Green earning seven points and Droitwich eight.

Tomorrow (Saturday), Barnards Green are away in the WCL to Alvechurch.