BIRLINGHAM II v BARNARDS GREEN IV

NEW Green fourths skipper Andy Wheeler, having lost two bowlers in the morning and replaced them with two batsmen, had no hesitation inserting the opposition.

Ian Alley and Adam Price both picked up early wickets but Green soon lost Dick Brown to a dislocated finger caused by a dropped catch, but substitute Shane Thompson bowled his leg-spin with great control and guile for one so young and took 2-28 from his first eight overs.

Robbie Lewis came on and with the skipper took two wickets each which kept Birlingham down to a good but gettable 223.

Openers Rob Lewis and Dave Knapper were fairly circumspect at first, but Knapper soon started unleashing a series of scorching drives.

At the half way stage, Green were 104-0 and pretty confident. This pair increased there partnership to 135 when Lewis fell for a well crafted 45.

Wheeler entered the fray and hit a quick fire 22 whilst Knapper raced to a superb 125 and the first win of the season for the Green.