THE difficult start to the season continued last weekend for Barnards Green as they were unable to force victory over high-flying Knowle & Dorridge. 

Newly-promoted Green went into the game with just one win so far in the Birmingham and District Premier League but were close to recording win number two. 

Worcestershire Academy product Rehaan Edavalath scored half of the visitors' runs with 105 but only Ryan Tongue (31) and Phil Harris (31)could provide any sort of score to accompany Edavalath.

Green were bowled out for 210 in the 53rd over and it looked as if another defeat was on the cards given the form of their hosts, who came into the weekend in second position in the table. 

But Green's overseas signing, Abu Rahi, bowled brilliantly and took three wickets inside the first nine over to reduce Knowle & Dorridge to 11-3. 

James Middleton and Fahd Janjua stabilised the ship with a 31-run partnership but the former fell to Phil Harris before George Baines was caught by Josh Blunt off the bowling of George Rhodes for 7. 

At 58-5, the hosts were in trouble but two partnerships of 48 involving tailenders Jack Grundy, Lawson Attwood and Mohammed Umar Shaikh frustrated Green.

Rhodes took another two wickets and a run-out left Knowle eight down but Green were just unable to take the final two wickets to earn what would have probably been a deserved win. 

Barnards Green took 15 points from the encounter but remain second-bottom, just above this weekend's opponents Kidderminster.

The 2s and 3s were also in league action over the weekend and it was two wins for the Malvern-based club. 

The 2XI continued their brilliant start to the season with another win as they cemented their spot at the top of Division 3 in the Worcestershire County League.

Visitors Martley were skittled for 143 in just 29 overs as Ben Clements registered 3-6 and there were two wickets apiece for Jack Mackintosh, Jake Hill and ex-Worcestershire bowler Charlie Morris.

Kevin Golder scored 55 in reply for Green and James Styles scored a quickfire 45 to seal an easy victory. 

The 3s won by seven wickets at Martley 2s thanks in the main to Christopher Hill's 77 and a superb 88 not-out from Leon Everett.