THIS return Crusader Worcester-shire County League division one fixture between Barnards Green and Alvechurch got off to a prompt start in spite of rain clouds threatening every few minutes.

BARNARDS GREEN v ALVECHURCH

Green captain Chris Smedley inserted Alvechurch and this proved to be a good move as they made a hesitant start on a damp wicket, losing four wickets in the first 14 overs for only 48 runs.

The first of these taken by Kev Downs, in his second over. This success, being quickly followed by two quick wickets by Tim Williams and yet another by Phil Harris in his first over. Three of these falling to excellent catches by Liam Paddock, Andy Ford and Tim Williams.

Alvechurch's J Rose and R Mortimer steadied their innings, but could not score freely, arriving at only 116 runs by the 30th over.

J Rose (42) was the next to go, to another great catch this time by Paul Drinkwater off the bowling of Andy Ford.

Runs always seemed hard to come by as wickets continued to fall, one more to Andy Ford and two in one over by Chris Smedley. All these through good catches by Chris Smedley, Kev Downs and Phil Harris.

Alvechurch's innings closing on 185-8 as the rain finally arrived.

An early tea was taken, and in spite of much work on the ground to get play restarted, it was 6.15pm before the Green's reply could get under way.

This loss of batting time left only 25 overs to attempt to get 99 runs to earn, first a winning draw then if all went well, 186 runs for an outright win. This seemed a tall order, but Rich Williams and Kev Golder got the innings off to an excellent start, scoring 83 by the 14th over, when Williams fell to a smart catch off the bowling of Alvechurch captain Simon Smith.

This brought in the promoted Phil Harris to join Golder, and they quickly secured the winning draw total by the 17th over.

Encouraged by vocal supporters, the batsmen hit out, scoring 81 off the remaining 42 balls to take Green to their first outright win of the season at home. Kev Golder finishing with 65no, while Phil Harris got 58no off 34 balls.

Barnards Green 20 points, Alvechurch three points.

Tomorrow (Saturday), Barnards Green are away against Eastnor, starting at 1.30pm.