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After defeating Worcester in the semi final
of the Carnival Cup Barnards Green played familiar rivals Stoke Prior in the
idyllic settings of Ombersley CC.
With the two sides already finishing a league game this season with scores
tied everyone concerned knew a hard fought encounter was on the cards.
Skipper Jez Clarke was happy to win the toss and ask Stoke to post them a
total which he was quietly confident his full strength team would knock off.
Stoke started cautiously with ex Barnards Green Import Boult and the ever
dangerous Fletcher (40) leading the way, However Boults Kiwi counter part
Hoogstraten kept things tight from his end for the Green ably assisted by
Tom Clack.
After 5 overs stoke were well positioned at 50 for 0, Skipper Jez Clarke
introduced Man of the Match Andy Roy Ford (3-15) who tied the batsmen down
straight away.
Fords line was so tight scoring was not easy and the batsmen were forced to
try and score at the other end where the experienced Tim Williams bowled
equally as straight and picked up the wicket of Boult cart wheeling his
stump for an immature 10.
In a bid to step up the run rate Fletcher unwisely took an the arm of Tim
Clarke in the deep who saw him yards short after a direct hit.
With the dangermen back in the pavilion the Green were sure to not be
complacent and continued to bowl and field with superb discipline Brookes
(3-16) replaced Williams and had immediate success as the green took wickets
at regular intervals no momentum was gained by Stoke, at the end of their
allotted 15 overs they closed on 108-8.
With a relatively small total to chase and a large lightening quick outfield
the Green knew that no big hitting was required and that sensible calling
and running would see them home safe.
Young guns Paddock and Harris started steadily until the latter was adjudged
LBW without troubling the scorers, this bought Inform Kev Golder to the
crease who formed a solid 2nd wicket partnership with Liam Paddock, as no
big risks were necessary none were taken and between them they kept the
board ticking over at just above the run rate the green were excellently
poised at 90 for 1 off just 9 overs when Golder fell in the deep for a
patient 46.
A slightly nervous few balls were then kept out by man of the match Andy Roy
Ford before he got his eye in and then decided enough was enough and struck
several well timed blows over mid wicket thus settling any nerves in the
pavilion.
The Green wrapped the game up with 8 wickets in hand and with Youngster Liam
Paddock finishing on a classy 39
Photo
Back Row L-R
Liam Paddock, Andy Hoogstraten,Kevin Golder, Andy Roy Ford, Matthew Brookes,
Tom Clack, Phil Harris.
Front Row L –R
Tim Clarke, Jez Clarke, Tim Williams, Rich Williams |
 Winning Team |
