BARNARDS Green’s opening bowlers were the heroes as they won their first game of the Birmingham League Premier Division Two campaign by 46 runs.

The hosts were bowled out for 162 at North End Lane before Tamworth got skittled for 116 in 30.3 overs.

Jon Dovey (5-33) and Phil Harris (3-21) took the plaudits after skipper and opener Ryan Tongue, who chose to bat first, scored a vital 49 for Green.

They lasted until the final over in the first innings with Taylor Pugh (23) and Harris (20) also chipping in.

Tamworth slumped to 5-3 as Dovey began with a double-wicket maiden before getting to 38-6 in the 12th over.

Wickets from Josh Blunt and George Rhodes helped polish the visitors off as Green bagged 20 points.

They visit Wolverhampton on Saturday (noon).

The seconds stormed to a 157-run win in their Worcestershire League Division Three opener after bowling hosts Pershore seconds out for 90.

Will Dovey (47), Ben Bromage (43), Tom Banks (34) and Callum Morris (29 not out) guided Green to 247-7 from 50 overs. Monzur Ahmed’s 5-23 tore Pershore apart with Jack Mackintosh taking 2-21 and Bromage 2-22 in the 24-point win.

Green host Old Hill on Saturday (1pm).