SKIPPER Dick Brown was glad to win the toss and field at Coombs Wood as the Green Seconds began their Worcestershire League season on Saturday.

COOMBS WOOD II v BARNARDS GREEN II

The young seam attack of Bell and Spencer used a few overs finding the right length on a soft but reliable wicket, before both settled down and Spencer struck twice, Chris Hill took an easy catch lobbed to gully, and Lawson was bowled trying to cut.

Then Saundry and J Cannon made steady progress, and Brown changed tack with the drinks interval in sight. Hill's medium pace reduced the runs at one end (12 overs for 25) and Simon Clarke's slow medium was rewarded by a stumping and an lbw.

The last ten overs were more productive, with the pitch visibly easing, though Spencer (3-37) returned and bowled N Cannon for a good 32. The Green conceded too many wides throughout, and some 30 extras in total, but were happy to be chasing 162 off 45 overs.

Hancock fell for a duck, but Hacking took a robust line with four swift boundaries. The innings then collapsed, Hacking played round a slower one from Westwood, Jon Lewis slapped a full toss to cover, Rogers was yorked by Badger and skipper Brown top-edged a legside free hit. This left Rob Lewis and Hill in dangerous territory (68-5). Four per over were needed and the batting resources from eight to 11 were unclear.

Hill took up the challenge of clipping the seamers to the leg boundary and persuading Lewis to run quick singles. In 15 tense overs, with several alarms and mid-pitch conferences, this pair turned the match.

Westwood had a second spell without luck. Mason was tried at the last, but Lewis (62no) launched a powerful six and Hill (44no) finished the game with a well-driven four. Westwood (2-46), Turner (2-40) and Badger (1-27) were steady for Coombs Wood, but they lacked 20 or so extra runs to apply pressure to the Green veterans.

The ground and wicket were in fine condition despite recent rain and the result was in the balance at all times until the Green passed 150 to win by five wickets.

This was a good-spirited match and a decent start for the Green campaign.

Coombs Wood 161-5 (45 overs; N Cannon 32; S Spencer 3-37). Barnards Green 162-5 (42.4 overs; R Lewis 62no, C Hill 44no). Green won by five wickets.