BARNARDS Green secured a third consecutive promotion by sealing second spot in Birmingham and District Premier Cricket League Division Two.

The Malvern club’s success story has seen them rise from Worcestershire League Division Three to the dizzy heights in an eight-year period.

Green have invested in developing young players but also been fortunate to recruit successful overseas signings over the years.

Skipper Tim Williams has made the most of limited resources although the emergence of Jon Dovey as a key bowler has been central.

Herefordshire player Phil Harris proved crucial and his team-mates chipped in where necessary, backed by the club’s strong band of volunteers.

They finished with a crucial 24-point, three-wicket victory at fellow challengers Harborne who were bowled out for 150.

The hosts chose to bat first but their opening partnership was broken on 26 when Dannie Rees took a catch at point off Harris.

Williams claimed a wicket with a superb catch off Dovey (3-46). Will Kitchen (23) and Ian Butler put on 37 before the former was trapped lbw by Harris (3-52).

Another wicket followed quickly before spin replaced seam and Chris Smedley dismissed Butler for 26 to leave Harborne struggling on 77-5.

Dovey’s first four overs of his second spell were all maidens with two wickets.

Williams took a second excellent catch and Andy Ford was rewarded for fine bowling with a victim. With Harborne reduced to 99-8, Matthew Parker (38 not out) helped them survive until the final over.

In reply, the Dovey brothers hit early boundaries and Jon quickly moved to 15 when he was caught behind.

Adam Dovey followed next over for eight but Mark Hooper and Phil Harris set about building a total. However, 56-2 soon became 62-5 as Harris (17), Ford and Josh Rurawhe all departed. Rees and Hooper took the score past 100 in the 31st over.

Hooper (25) eventually misjudged one from Butler (5-49) and Smedley followed lbw first ball.

But Kev Golder and Rees played sensibly with the latter then hitting out with a six to reach his half-century.

Rees (60no) dispatched the next two balls for four to claim a fine victory.