BARNARDS Green suffered a five-wicket defeat to Birmingham Cricket League Premier Division Two mid-table rivals Wolverhampton.

Despite half-centuries from Mahaaz Ahmed (57) and Worcestershire professional George Rhodes (54) at North End Lane, Green’s mixed form continued.

Spinners Matthew Kleinveldt (4-48) and Joe Stanley (4-65) shared the bulk of the wickets as Green were bowled for 224 in 49.2 overs.

Captain Ryan Tongue added 21 for the hosts in a 42-run opening stand with Rhodes before Joe Crichard scored 20 from number five. Rhode hit nine fours off 78 balls with Ahmed landing seven fours and three sixes in his 45 deliveries.

But skipper Kleinveldt saw Wolverhampton to victory in 53.1 overs with an unbeaten 101 as Rhodes claimed 2-66 in a long spell.

Seventh-placed Green gained five points but are now 21 behind Black Country side Wolverhampton in sixth.

Green have a county derby at Ombersley on Saturday (noon).

The seconds are one point off the Worcestershire League Division Three promotion zone in third position.

Green thrashed hosts Old Hill seconds by 120 runs after removing them for 165 in reply to 285 all out.

A 97-run opening stand between Harvey Smedley (59) and Andy Wheeler (49) was topped up by Rehaan Edavalath (38) and then Jack Mackintosh (39) lower down the order.

Hill were bowled out in 32.1 overs in reply as Ben Sutton ripped through the batting with 6-48 from 10.

The thirds have qualified for the Division 12 play-offs after topping the South West Division.

Green amassed 242-8 from 40 overs against Tenbury at Newland with opener Lewis Regan (83), Robert Wilson (43) and Ollie Davies (48) all contributing.

The visitors fell to 130 all out as Green wrapped up a 112-run victory.

Green seconds host Redditch seconds on Saturday while the thirds go to Coombs Wood thirds in the play-offs.

A fourth team will entertain Five Ways Old Edwardians thirds in the Plate competition.