BARNARDS Green remain in the bottom half of Birmingham Cricket League Premier Division Two after a losing draw at title contenders Ombersley.

The all-county clash was reduced to 43 overs per side after heavy drizzle prevented any play before 1.25pm.

The hosts batted first and were indebted to 75 from in-form Nick Hammond who hit seven fours and a six as they reached 182-8.

Hammond and Declan Lines (38) added 100 for the fifth wicket as the visitors used six bowlers to try to break the partnership.

Andy Ford took 2-9 and Josh Dickenson 2-34.

Worcestershire’s George Rhodes (12) began the seventh-placed Malvern club’s reply with three successive fours.

But from the next ball he was well caught by Hammond off ex-County ace Gareth Andrew (3-34) while skipper Ryan Tongue managed 23.

At 54-5 Green were struggling but Joe Crichard (71) and Taylor Pugh (28 not out) added 60 for the seventh wicket to see them close on 165-7 from 43 overs.

Third-placed Ombersley got 14 points while Green salvaged seven but are 23 behind Himley in the top half of the table.

Green host Leamington Spa, who are one point off the top in second position, on Saturday (noon).

The seconds’ Worcestershire League Division Three promotion hopes were dealt a blow with a home defeat to second-placed Redditch.

Green went down to fifth after a three-wicket loss when they were bowled out for 185.

Rehaan Edavalath carried his bat for 116 not out but received little support.

Will Dovey then took 3-31 but Redditch won with 186-7 from 48.5 overs.

Green’s thirds lost at Coombs Wood thirds, also by three wickets, in the Division 12 promotion play-offs.

The visitors made 193-9 from 40 overs with opener Ollie Davies scoring 89 and Owen Gregory 30.

Wood got home with 194-7 from 36.3 overs as Ben Clarke claimed 2-26.

Green seconds head to Avoncroft on Saturday while the thirds host Tenbury seconds at Newland.