UNBEATEN duo Amrinder Brar and Jacques Banton fired Barnt Green to a comprehensive nine-wicket victory over Halesowen to keep close tabs on GWT Group Four rivals Barnards Green.
After limiting Halesowen to a measly total of 113 after 34 overs, The Green required just under 18 overs to romp to an impressive victory in the Birmingham & District Premier League.
Darrel Williams was one of the main culprits behind the hosts’ misfortunes at Seth Somers Park, taking five wickets for 27 runs conceded, while Jacques Banton (2-23) took a key wicket in bowling Ryan Lockley (33) lbw.
While openers Brar (73 n.o) and Ben Chapman-Lilley (6) only managed to reach 31 runs by the ninth over, the dismissal of the latter allowed Banton (30 n.o) to step in and form a ruthless partnership at the crease.
The two Greens top the table on 24 points, with Barnards Green holding the advantage based on their six-wicket win back in July.
That could all change, however, when the two table-toppers go head-to-head at Cherry Hill Road on Saturday (11am).
BOTTOM-SIDE Bromsgrove suffered a further set-back after their meeting with Ombersley at St. Godwald’s Park was cancelled because of a COVID-19 scare.
While no Boars players have displayed symptoms, the same could not be said of the visitors – with two other matches in the league also cancelled as a result.
Another home match against fourth-placed Halesowen (Saturday, 11am) offers Bromsgrove the chance for a reprieve this time around.
MEADOW Boys’ talisman Jon Critchlow was in red-hot form to guide Himbleton to a three-wicket derby day victory over Avoncroft last weekend.
Joe Ingle fires a shot for Avoncroft. Picture by Marcus Mingins 3920006MMR5 www.buyphtos247.com
Taking 3-44 – his best return so far in Group B of the Worcestershire League Regional Championship Trophy – Critchlow’s bowling efforts helped limit the hosts to 153-9.
And the Himbleton man was relentless with the bat too, smashing 72 before being caught and bowled by Joe Ingle, although the stand went a long way to earning victory after 35 overs despite the best efforts of Avoncroft’s Josh Cound (3-19).
Himbleton remain fourth in the group on 96 points, while Avoncroft remain rock-bottom with 43 points to their name.
The Croft hope to make amends when welcoming Barnt Green Seconds this weekend (Saturday, 12.30pm).
