BARNARDS Green lost their lead at the top of the Birmingham League Division One to Ombersley after suffering a five wicket defeat at the hands of their Worcestershire rivals on Saturday.
A century partnership between James Tapper and Ashlea Brewer helped Green recover from a poor start to post a total of 215.
But it was not enough to derail Ombersley as they moved into three figures without loss before Chris Harwood took his side over the line with a six and three fours.
Green, who were looking to secure their third win on the bounce, were on the back foot from the start as the the Ombersley bowlers took full advantage of an inconsistent pitch.
Adam Dovey, Alex Hepburn and Andy Ford all fell early before Jason Smith claimed the wickets of George Rhodes and Elliot Hennessy.
Mark Hopper was then run out for two to leave Green on 84-6 with 16 overs left.
However, Brewer and Trapper refused to give in as they began to take the game to their opponents.
Brewer brought up his half century with his tenth boundary before Tapper soon followed as the duo took a single to bring up the 100 partnership.
Brewer’s attacking batting finally brought about his demise, though, as he was caught by Liam Gwynne. It came off the bowling of Duncan Catterall who also clean bowled Rishe Umasuthan before ending Tapper’s innings of 72.
Despite allowing Green back into the match, Ombersley showed no signs of frustration as openers Tom Oakley and Gwynne produced an impressive display.
The score reached 111 before Green found the break through when skipper Andy Ford enticed Gwynne into one too many aggressive shots as he was caught by Mark Hooper at mid-wicket.
Catterall and Smith settled quickly after Oakley went out for 39 before Jon Dovey took two wickets in as many overs. But, with the visitors needing just 36 off the remaining 12 overs Harwood eased his side to victory.