BARNT Green failed to put enough runs on the board again this week and eventually lost out by a four wicket margin against reigning Birmingham League champions Berkswell.

In a star-studded contest at Cherry Hill Road, the Green found themselves removed for 170 runs after being inserted to bat first.

That was despite Impressive England under-19 batsman Tom Banton scoring 106 of that total but he struggled to find anyone who could stay with him at the crease for any length of time.

Only Warwickshire prospect Matt Lamb could build any sort of partnership with Banton before being dismissed for 30.

Barnt Green skipper Andy Sutton admitted: "A total of 170 was never enough which meant we weren't able to build any scoreboard pressure.

"But I was really proud of the way my players bowled and fielded in reply against what is easily the best batting line-up in the Birmingham League."

Berkswell didn't have matters all their own way in reply and were reduced to 39 for five at one stage.

It was one of Sutton's rising Worcestershire proteges Alex Hepburn who helped hold Berkswell's batting together with a patient 57 not out off 117 balls before one-time Glamorgan player Nick James with 37 and former Warwickshire favourite Dominic Ostler with 41 not out, saw Berkswell over the line on 171 for six with 20 balls to spare.

Sutton said: "It was a cracking game. If we could have scored around 210 to 215, it would have made things very interesting.

"There's no doubt our batting needs to improve - even Tom Banton would admit he should have gone onto score more.

"We've got four or five lads in the sides who have ambitions to play professional cricket, but they have to learn - and learn quickly.

"It's three weeks running now that we haven't scored enough runs and it was made worse this week by the fact we didn't use up all out overs either."

Sutton also used the game to draft in 16-year-old Bromsgrove School player Jack Banton, the younger brother of Tom Banton, who impressed with his left arm off-spin.

Sutton added: " Jack came on to bowl when Alex Hepburn and Dominic Ostler were at the wicket, but Jack always looked as though he was about to take a wicket."

Tom Banton has now swapped Bromsgrove School for Taunton where he is currently on Somerset's books.

Barnt Green will be bidding to bounce straight back this week when they take on bottom side Kidderminster but Sutton must wait to see whether he has use of Warwickshire players Matt Lamb and Josh Poysden, while Ben Ladd-Gibbon and Darrell Williams have yet to become available.