BRILLIANT Barnt Green produced their most important win of the season as they edged out title rivals Berkswell by ten runs in the Birmingham and District League Premier.

Victory saw the Cherry Hill Road side leapfrog Saturday’s beaten opponents into second.

With five games of the season left, Green trail leaders West Bromwich by just 25 points.

The end of the season looks set to go down to the wire, with Barnt Green playing the table-toppers on Saturday, August 30.

Berkswell also play the leaders on September 6.

Tom Burton (3-23) produced a fine all-round display as Green won a thrilling clash.

They had won the toss at The Lant and opted to bat first, with Burton top-scoring with 65 as they made 224 all out.

But Green’s spinners Joshua Poysden (2-34) and Simon Mugava (3-34) enjoyed playing on a slightly rough wicket and ruled the roost for Green, while seamer Luke Radford’s (1-25) impressive pace also troubled the home side.

Berkswell’s Mark Best struck 104 off 137 balls but when he was stumped by Sam Cheshire the home team were 176-6.

Former Pakistan international Tanveer Ahmed then increased the run-rate with 19 runs in one over as the home side reached 212-8 and looked poised to win the game.

But Radford dismissed the key man for lbw, before Burton removed Chris Cheslin (3) and David Brignull (0) as Berkswell were removed for 214.

President Paul Clarke said: “The wicket was a little bit coarse course and it was ideal four our spinners Joshua and Simon, who both bowled well.

“Luke Radford produced some brilliant bowling to remove Tanveer and then Tom Burton bent his back superbly to take the last two wickets.

“Whatever happens, the title race is going to go down to the wire and we’re right in it.”

Green go to Walmley on Saturday and then entertain defending champions Shrewsbury on Monday (both 1pm start).

Meanwhile, Green defeated Stone SP by ten runs in the ECB National T20 Club Knockout at home to make the West Midlands Area finals but lost to Chester Broughton by eight wickets.