BARNT Green CC First XI can reflect on this season with satisfaction despite losing their final Birmingham League game by four wickets at Old Hill.

The Cherry Hill Road outfit finish in fifth place, an improvement on last season's seventh, and have the added bonus of reaching the National Knockout final.

Skipper Lyndon Jones said: "It's been a very memorable season. We started badly in the league, showed great character by climbing out of trouble and we were even in with a shout of winning it at one stage about six weeks ago.

"Obviously, nobody will ever forget the National Knockout run, despite losing the final.

"I suppose we can look back and say we're the second best side in the UK and that's something we've all got to be proud of."

Jones lost the toss again and Old Hill pace bowler Z Khan took an outstanding eight wickets.

Richard Illingworth (68) led a fight back as Barnt Green were dismissed for 156.

Kris Howes bowled a fine opening spell. But Nagra (29), Sheikh (28) and Christie (26no) enabled Old Hill to pass their target for the loss of six wickets.