07/09/2026
Dominant win over Colwall secures promotion to the Prem
Barnards Green 2nd XI signed off their Worcestershire County League Division One campaign in style with a convincing seven-wicket victory over Colwall 1st XI to secure promotion to the Premier Division
After winning the toss and choosing to bat, Colwall found themselves under early pressure from the disciplined Barnards Green attack. Jon Dovey struck twice in the opening overs, removing both Henry Hardinges and Amaan Edavalath to leave the visitors reeling at 6-2. Elliot Hennessy then joined the wicket-taking act, dismissing Callum Butler and Jai Kurt as Colwall struggled to establish momentum.
The innings was rebuilt by Peter Recordon, who produced a determined half-century. His 50 from 80 balls, featuring five boundaries, anchored the middle order and ensured Colwall remained competitive. James Beswick added 14, while skipper Max Moor contributed 20 before falling to Max Bentley. The key partnership of the innings came between Peter Recordon and Bruno Recordon, whose seventh-wicket stand of 58 lifted Colwall from a precarious position to 163-7. Bruno played positively for his 37 from 35 balls, striking five fours.
However, Barnards Green maintained control throughout. Rufus Lapsley was particularly impressive, returning figures of 2-26 from 10 overs, while Dovey, Hennessy and Ayaan Baig each claimed two wickets. Peter Recordon's departure on exactly 50 proved a decisive blow, and despite late contributions from Rahul Katti (20) and Sam Bradley (11), Colwall were eventually dismissed for 198 in 49.3 overs.
In reply, Barnards Green made an emphatic start through Sam Williams and Jay Styles. The pair raced to 50 inside nine overs and brought up their century opening stand in just under an hour. Williams was in superb form from the outset, punishing anything loose and reaching a rapid half-century from only 32 deliveries, including nine fours and a six. While Styles played the supporting role with a patient 32 from 76 balls, Williams dominated the scoring and continued to accelerate after reaching fifty. The opener reached a magnificent century from 91 balls, striking 14 fours and two sixes in a match-defining knock. By the time Styles fell for 32 with the score on 128, the foundations for victory had already been firmly laid.
Peter Recordon briefly raised Colwall's hopes with two wickets, while Amaan Edavalath dismissed Williams for a superb 104, but Barnards Green remained firmly in command. Jonathan Dovey (18 not out) and Ben Sutton (10 not out) calmly guided the hosts to their target. The Green reached 201-3 in just 39.1 overs, sealing a comprehensive seven-wicket win with more than 10 overs to spare. Williams' outstanding century was the standout performance of the day, backed up by a disciplined bowling display that restricted Colwall below the 200-mark and secured the maximum 20 league points and well-earned promotion.
