BARNARDS Green won at Shifnal by six wickets to keep the pressure on the teams ahead of them in Birmingham League Division One.

The Malvern side won in Shropshire courtesy of some strong batting performances from Ryan Tongue and Josh Haynes and a five-wicket haul from Phil Harris.

After winning the toss and choosing to field, Harris made the first breakthrough as Steve Leach was caught by Andy Ford after facing just six balls.

He also bowled Charlie Home (26) and Chris Murrall (16) before Jack McIver holed out to Jack Cullity off Tongue.

Ross Aucott and Joe Chadwick then became Harris’ fourth and fifth victims respectively as he went on to record figures of 5-36.

Having been reduced to 77-6, the hosts fought back as Shaun Lorimer scored an unbeaten 43 to steer his side to 162-8.

When Green came in to bat, Ford was dismissed early after a catch from Tom Collins, but this brought about a fine partnership between Tongue and Haynes.

Haynes managed 61 runs from 54 balls, including seven fours He was bowled out shortly before Tongue was then caught for 64 from 73 after he reached the boundary eight times.

Stewart Hepburn soon followed as he was bowled by McIver.

But by this stage most of the damage was done by Green as Dannie Rees (20 not out) and Phil Harris (9 not out) knocked off the remaining runs to secure victory in the 28th over.

The wins takes seventh placed Green to 187 points, 19 shy of Himley in second with seven games to play.

The North End Lane outfit host second-from-bottom Walmley on Saturday (noon).

The following week they travel to promotion-chasing Himley, so they will need big performances from the next two games to maintain keep them in the mix for the coveted second spot.