BARNARDS Green hosted Stourbridge in a Worcestershire Sunday Club Cricket League Division One game.

BARNARDS GREEN I v STOURBRIDGE I

On winning the toss skipper Kevin Ratcliffe had no hesitation in deciding to bat. The Green got off to a rapid start despite losing the early wickets of Andy Wheeler (6) and Tim Clarke (9). Aggressive batting from New Zealander Danny Flynn well supported by Tim Williams saw the Green race to 100 in the 28th over, Flynn reaching his second century of the weekend in the 24th over. Flynn was out for 113 having put on 157 in 19 overs with Williams (70). Jez Clarke scored a fine 44 in the latter overs run chase and the Green finished on a superb 292-7 off 45 overs.

In reply Stourbridge lost two quick wickets both to the bowling of Matt Brookes, Murphy caught at mid-wicket by Flynn and Dhoolab caught by Ratcliffe at point. Only Bradley with an excellent 90 looked dangerous as others around him struggled. The Stourbridge innings closed on 200-6 after 45 overs, Green winning by 92 runs.

STOURBRIDGE II v BARNARDS GREEN II

FIELDING three teams on a Sunday stretched the Green's resources somewhat so it was with some trepidation that stand-in skip-per Andy Lamb visited Stourbridge.

The Green elected to bat and put on 120 for the first wicket as an in-form Rich Williams and young Liam Paddock mixed diligence with aggression. Paddock was eventually dismissed for 25. By this stage Williams moved comfortably to a century being severe on a series of short balls. Of the remaining batsmen only Rob Tyler was able to master the wicket as he shepherded the tail to a respectable 194-7 off their 45 overs.

In reply the home side struggled with Philip Harris claiming a wicket in his first over with the aid of an alert catch by Tom Wells. Stourbridge decided to adopt an aggressive approach but the Green's young bowlers persisted with line and length bowling, which brought due reward. Junior bowlers Phil Harris (4-33), Liam Paddock (3-15) and Rob Tyler (1-15) reduced the home side to 112-9 before the evergreen Bob Roger was called upon to break a stubborn last wicket stand.