Kenilworth Wardens 219-6 Barnt Green 224-8

Barnt Green won by two wickets

BARNT Green ended their losing run with a convincing victory over Kenilworth Wardens, as the title race in the Birmingham and District League Premier Division hotted up over the weekend.

While the defending champions grabbed an all important win to end a three match losing run in the Premier Division Green's main rivals slipped up.

Leaders West Bromwich Albion lost to Kidderminster Victoria, while second in the table Walsall were held by Knowle and Dorridge.

This means that Green's slim chances of defending the title they won last season have been given a much needed boost.

The champions welcomed back former Worcestershire all rounder David Wigley back into the side for the first time this season.

Wigley took no time at all to make a contribution when he caught Kenilworth opener Patel off spinner Matt Rawnsley's bowling.

This dismissal was a much needed breakthrough as Patel (50) and Wilkinson (53) had given Kenilworth a strong start. Lyndon Jones trapped Wilkinson lbw as Green started to take control of the game.

Rawnsley (who was Green's most effective bowler with 3-61) had Kotak caught by Stuart Shephard for ten runs. Despite a mid-order rally by Marillier (38), Byng (31) and Jordan (23 not out) Green has the upper hand, as the Wardens were kept to 219 in 55 overs.

Wigley (1-73) and Jones (1-59) were Green's other wicket takers.

Opener Richard Hall made sure the defending champions' reply got off to a strong start. He missed out on his century by the smallest margins when he was bowled by Marillier for 97 runs.

Gavin Shephard (47) also made an impact with the willow before he was removed by Pidgeon. Green struggled to cope with the loss of its openers and Stuart Shepherd only hit five runs when Marillier caught him off Kotak's delivery.

Richard Wilkinson (17) and Rawnsley (20) added vital runs, before Jones (14), Adam Smith (6) and a crucial ten not out by Wigley made sure Green reached 224-8 in the 44th over.