ON a wet wicket last Saturday Barnards Green skipper Rich Williams lost the toss and the Green were asked to bat first in this WCL Division Three match.

BARNARDS GREEN v ALVECHURCH

Both opening bowlers Reck and Battersley were finding considerable movement and the Green soon found themselves in trouble. Rich Williams was caught behind and Derek Goodman bowled, before the score had reached 10.

Kev Golder and Tim Clarke attempted to repair the damage. Both then departed in quick succession, soon followed by T Williams. The Green were then in deep trouble at 47- 5.

The combination of a patient Chris Hill and the fluent Phil Spencer added 43 in the next 10 overs. Spencer then departed for 33 attempting to see if his new bat hit the ball over the fence as well as the old one! When Scullion departed soon after Hill was left with 17-year-old debutant Lee Hooper, who played with great determination and struck a superb straight six as well as several notable shots off the fiery Reck.

Hill then fell to a ball that surprisingly swung a long way with the old ball. RA Brown and Hooper lifted the Green to 153-8 at the close.

In reply Alvechurch started poorly when the slick T Clarke ran out opener Haywood. Scullion (2-47) and T Williams (1-49) bowled long tight spells but when wickets were needed Rich Williams turned to T Clarke and Spencer. Both picked up a wicket but it proved to be not enough. Alvechurch reached their target with 12 overs to spare and four wickets in hand.

The Green do however stay third in the league table.

Tommorow (Saturday) the Green entertain Victoria & Blakeley.