BARNARDS Green thirds looked to be heading for victory until the heavens opened and washed out any chance of the match being completed.

HIGHLEY v BARNARDS GREEN III

Ratcliffe asked Highley to make first use of a hard, dry wicket. Humphries and Steele made steady progress with Humphries surviving a chance behind. They then upped the tempo piercing the field regularly and at drinks were ominously placed at 100 without loss with Steele past 50.

The break did the trick for the Green as Humphries was undone by Doughty for 36 and with one end open the Green immediately made inroads. Hill (1-47) chipped in but Steele stood firm as Doughty (3-33) nipped out two others.

Highley were then left in disarray at 138-5 when Brown (2-38) bowled Steel for 72. James (36) and Webster (23) consolidated the innings by taking no risks. With five overs remaining the pair opened up and although Clarke took two late wickets Highley finished on 191-8.

Only 11 overs were possible for the Green reply before the heavens opened but Doughty (17no) and Yorke (13no) had made steady progress.