BARNARDS GREEN v MONMOUTH

BARNARDS Green entertained Monmouth in the WCL Division Two on Saturday and visiting captain Dan Head took the early advantage of winning the toss and inserting the home side.

Missing influential opener Rich Williams again it was left to sedately-paced skipper Chris Smedley to partner the in-form Kevin Golder at the top of the order.

The Green again started well on an excellent wicket prepared by unsung hero groundsman Roy Mayo with both openers racking up early boundaries despite the electric fielding of Smith for the visitors.

The introduction of Mark Temple, Monmouth's South African import, slowed the rate considerably as he landed his left arm spin accurately. Smedley and Golder then departed in close succession, Smedley brilliantly caught and bowled by Temple who had dropped an earlier chance off the same batsman. Golder, who continued his good form, scored 59 and Smedley 39, including the first six of his first XI career.

The rebuilding period started in circumspect fashion with youngster Liam Paddock watchful in defence as the Green looked to set a platform. Painstaking progress was made until Andrew Ford joined Paddock at the crease and started to accelerate the rate. Ford was harsh on all the bowlers and this seemed to inspire Paddock as he unleashed some excellent shots alongside improvised brilliance to record his maiden first XI league century.

Paddock was out for exactly 100 playing one shot to many and it was left to Ford with 40 to finish the innings at 280-9 when the allotted overs ran out.

Yet again the Green started well with the ball, both Downes and New Zealander Hoogstraten gaining bounce from the pitch and carry to the keeper. The Green took early wickets again with Tim Williams, introduced first change, bagging the all important wicket of Temple caught by keeper Binks whilst attempting an ambitious drive.

When Hoogstraaten took his sweater he had bagged 2-33 and it was left to the spinners to try and squeeze the Monmouth batters and force some mistakes.

Unfortunately for the home side, Ian McGinley and skipper Head had other ideas. McGinley in particular playing some excellent cricket strokes on his way to 89no and made all the more special by the fact that he had sustained burns to his legs shortly before the game.

As the game approached its conclusion skipper Smedley was caught between trying to deny Monmouth the draw points and going for the outright victory and skipper Head and McGinley showed clear heads to steer their side to the draw before two late wickets dented the card slightly.

The Green will be happy with 38 points from their first two fixtures and third place in the league whilst Monmouth still await their first positive result of the season.

BGCC collected 14 points for the winning draw, with Monmouth 10 points.