Twin attack has leaders Green around the gills

BARNARDS Green produced the shock of the day as they put Birmingham and District Premier League leaders Halesowen to the sword at North End Lane.

- By DAVID LAWRENCE

Bowlers Chris Steele and Ben Clarke did the damage, having their visitors all out for 191, taking eight wickets between them. Former Herefordshire ace Steele claimed 4-50 from 15 overs, while Worcestershire prospect Clarke finished with 4-36 from his 17 overs.

Josh Dickenson (2-29) claimed the others while top scorer for Halesowen was skipper Wes Griffiths, who reached 55 before becoming one of Steele’s victims.

When Hasan Mahmood took out the Barnards Green openers in quick succession, the home side were on 48 for two but Oliver Halion (51) and George Rhodes (51) put on 102 for the next wicket to get the hosts back on track. It was a close call in the end but the Worcestershire side reached 192 for eight in the 56th over.