FORMER Bromsgrove batsman George Rhodes came back to haunt his old club as his century steered Barnards Green to victory last Saturday.
Rhodes top-scored for the Malvern side with 102 as they inflicted more misery on Bromsgrove, who have slipped closer to the relegation places in Division One of the Birmingham League.
Ryan Pedley continued his good form as he struck 73, but the Boars’ total of 214 was not good enough as Green cantered to a seven-wicket win at North End Lane.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, the visitors would have been looking to post a good total as they aimed to end their wretched league form.
And they got off to a steady start as opening batsmen Ashley Newfield and Jayden Levitt saw the Boars pass the 50 mark.
Levitt reached 42 off 52 balls before he was caught by Josh Tongue and then Rhodes made his first real impression on the game. With Bromsgrove on 86-1, Rhodes managed to trap Newfield (30) LBW.
Pedley was at the crease at this point and with the help of Alexei Kervezee, the away side started to get their innings back on track. But this partnership was broken when Phil Harris bowled Kervezee for 28.
This seemed to be a turning point in the match as Lewis Cordes (6) and Tom Green (1) fell soon after.
Tom Hill did his best to increase Bromsgrove’s score as he hit 19 off 20 balls, while Pedley secured his half-century.
But after an impressive display with the bat, Pedley was removed for 73 off 105 balls, hitting nine fours and one six,, leaving Green needing 215 to win.
Bromsgrove managed to get a couple of wickets as James Ganderton dismissed Andy Ford and Alex Hepburn, with Pedley and Kervezee taking the catches.
This left Green on 62-2, but Bromsgrove failed to kick on as Rhodes made his 50 and started to look in confident mood.
Andrew Curtis was also batting well as the pair took their side closer to the winning score.
Rhodes claimed his century before hitting the ball straight into the hands of Kervezee. But Curtis’ 47 and Phil Harris’ brisk 23 then saw Green to a comfortable victory.
Meanwhile, Bromsgrove Seconds fared better against the same opposition as they dismissed Green for 134 in the Second XI South.
Matt Russell made 42, as Bromsgrove past their target in the 35th over with two wickets in hand.
