BARNARDS Green moved up to fifth in Birmingham and District Premier Cricket League Division One with a two-wicket win at Wombourne.

The Malvern side earned 20 points with the help of 46 runs from Alex Milton and they complete their league campaign at home to Old Hill on Saturday (noon).

Captain Andy Ford chose to field against Wombourne and Rishe Umasuthan bowled Jake Cartwright for a duck in the first over.

Alex Hepburn also struck in his first over as Jamie Miller edged to wicketkeeper Ash Brewer without scoring.

With the score on 11-2, three maidens followed before Jon Dovey and Jack Mackintosh also kept it tight.

Ben Hudson brought up the 50 with a boundary in the 18th over.

Green turned to spin but Wombourne passed the 100 mark before Ford (2-26) made a double breakthrough.

Hudson (56) was caught at mid-on by Mackintosh and Henry Bartlett (42) followed after finding Andrew Curtis at short mid-wicket.

In his final over, spinner George Rhodes had captain Ed Denham (3) well held by Hepburn on the boundary.

Wombourne were on 137-5 with 10 overs left before Hepburn claimed two wickets.

Tom Elwell (0) was caught one-handed by Tim Williams at mid-off and Aadil Rashid (7) bowled.

The hosts slumped to 158-9 as both Jack Williams (30) and Jon Meek (0) fell lbw to Dovey (2-32).

They were bowled out for 165 with Hepburn (4-36) trapping Ross Edwards (0) lbw.

In reply, openers Rhodes and Curtis started confidently with early boundaries.

Curtis (13) edged to wicketkeeper Meek off Denham but Green were ahead of the run-rate and Rhodes brought up the 50 with a fine four.

Miller bowled Hepburn (10) and Rhodes (31) followed when he was caught by Meek off Ashfak Hussain. Ford hit a giant six but was then bowled by Hussain for nine.

Milton batted maturely to lead Green past 100 in the 27th over with a four.

On 120, Brewer (21) was caught and bowled by Miller and Denham trapped Kevin Golder (11) lbw.

With 30 runs needed, Milton took Green past 150 in the 37th over. Dovey (6) fell to Denham (4-49) and Milton went lbw after a fine innings.

Umasuthan (1 not out) and Tim Williams (8no) led Green home with two boundaries.