BARNARDS Green fell 27 points away from the Birmingham and District Premier League Division One top three with a three-wicket defeat at fellow high-fliers Leamington Spa.

The Malvern side, who are a further 13 points off tomorrow’s opponents Smethwick in second spot, were bowled out for 188 in 49.2 overs.

Despite a 54-run opening stand between skipper George Rhodes (29) and Andrew Curtis (59), the former’s departure triggered another two wickets.

Alex Hepburn, who recently impressed for Worcestershire first XI after breaking into their 50-over side, could only add four runs.

Jamie Tapper (5) also departed to leave Green on 83-3 but Curtis and Phil Harris led a recovery with a 60-run fourth-wicket stand.

Opener Curtis eventually fell after a defiant half-century, which included six fours and one six off 111 balls.

Harris, who also blasted a six, followed for 24 without another run added and Andy Ford fell for a four-ball duck with Green on 144-6.

Ryan Tongue (4) and Josh Tongue (10) also departed, leaving wicketkeeper Ash Brewer to provide some late resistance.

Brewer smashed 25 off 13 balls with four fours and one six but Liam Smith’s dismissal for three ended Green’s struggles with the bat.

Seven wickets fell to catches with Mark Ashcroft taking 3-51 and Neil Smith 3-27.

Josh Tongue took 3-38 in 10 overs during the reply as third-placed Leamington reached a winning 189-7 from 49 overs with some trouble.

He reduced the hosts to 12-1 before opener Jamie Marsh scored 33 and skipper David Bailey 36.

Wicketkeeper Lee Hopkins chipped in with 26, while all-rounder Grant Thornton provided the fireworks with two sixes in his 34 off 33 balls.

Hepburn, the economic Ford, Harris and Liam Smith claimed single wickets with Brewer taking three catches behind the stumps.

But, from 158-7, Leamington were guided home by Nabeel Asghar (13 not out) and bowling hero Neil Smith (18no), who also launched a six.

Green head to Smethwick tomorrow and host second-from-bottom Harborne on Bank Holiday Monday (both noon) bidding to spice up the season finale.

High-flying Green seconds lost to Berkswell in Division Two South after replying to 264-9 with 178-4 in a rain-reduced 36 overs.

Adam Dovey scored 46no with the bat, while skipper Elliot Hennessy added 30 and opener Jack Curtis 29.