BARNARDS Green hit third-from-bottom in Birmingham and District Premier Cricket League Division One after a six-wicket defeat at Moseley.

Openers George Rhodes and Andrew Curtis scored 100 and 62 respectively but it was not enough for off-form Green to gain a much-needed fourth win of the season.

Captain Andy Ford won the toss and chose to bat with Rhodes and Curtis setting off confidently with a 124-run opening stand.

Rhodes was the main aggressor as Green reached 50 in the 11th over but both batsmen found it more difficult to score off the slower bowlers.

He passed his half-century off 84 balls with Curtis doing likewise soon after with the 100 partnership reached in the 28th over.

But Ali Awan finally made the breakthrough as Curtis was smartly stumped by Abdullah Awan.

With 21 overs left, Alex Hepburn scored quickly before being bowled by Tom Watts for a run-a-ball 27.

Rhodes had to watch Alex Milton, Mark Hardinges and Ford depart without scoring as Green went from 161-1 to 163-5 in three overs.

Kev Golder (6) was run-out, Ash Brewer (8) caught and Rishe Umasuthan bowled for a duck by Watts (4-42).

Rhodes scored his first century since his Green return, off 136 balls and including 12 fours, but was then caught off Ali Awan (4-73). Liam Smith (15 not out) hit the final ball for three as Green posted 221-9 in 55 overs.

Moseley set off at a good pace although Hardinges had Talbot hopping around with short-pitched bowling.

Talbot hit Ford for two sixes before Hepburn (2-20) trapped him lbw for 69 and the next batsman first ball.

Omar Masood (10) edged low to slip off Ford (1-69) but Moseley’s middle order had plenty of overs. Ali Awan (47) and Shoaib batted confidently as the former brought up the 150 in the 32nd over before being stumped off Rhodes (1-20).

However, Simon Chase (20no) and opener Asim Shoaib (64no) led Moseley home on 222-4 in the 47th over.

Green host leaders Ombersley on Saturday (noon) and Heywood from Lancashire on Tuesday (1.30pm).

The seconds beat Water Orton by four wickets and the thirds remained second in Worcestershire League Division Five after a five-wicket win over Hallow.