BARNT Green were frustrated by Berkswell as a combination dogged batting and the rain saw them settle for a winning draw in the Birmingham and District League Premier Division on Saturday.

The Cherry Hill Road side had to settle for 11 points after they were denied by the visitors.

Captain Dougie Brown won the toss and opted to bat first, however, the top-order failed to dig in and post a big score with James Ord (25), Nathan Newport (24), Tom Burton (20), Richard Wilkinson (8) and Craig Crowe (0) all struggling.

It was left to Brown to steady the ship with his score of 43 before he was caught and bowled by Babar Khan, who proved to be Green’s chief tormenter with 4-41 in 16 overs.

Edward Pollock added important runs with a score of 23, before falling victim to Khan, while Kieran Rees (20 not out) and Andrew Powell (8no) also added runs as the hosts declared on 179-7 in 51 overs.

Green’s bowlers thought that had the measure of Berkswell’s batsmen but Brown’s former Warwickshire team-mate Dominic Ostler proved to a thorn in the side. Nicholas Powell had James Neale caught by Crowe for 22, and after Jack Cornick had reached 29 Wilkinson struck.

Thomas Miles fell prey to the Wilkinson and Crowe combination but Ostler’s unbeaten 32 gave Berkswell the confidence to hold on for the share of the spoils.

With only 33 overs to bat because of a rain delay, Phillip Neale backed-up Ostler with 23, before Stephen Bevan had him caught as Berkswell closed on 132-4.

The draw leaves Green are fifth in the table, however, they are only 30 points behind second-placed Himley.

Barnt Green will be hoping to for victory at Wolverhampton on Saturday (noon start).