MATT Lamb's unbeaten 81 inspired Barnt Green to a comfortable victory over Stourbridge in the National Knockout Cup last Sunday.

Green earned valuable time at the crease after a rain-hit April restricted preparations.

Stourbridge were limited to 214-4 from 45 overs before Lamb, Luke Radford (39) and captain Andy Sutton (42no) secured a seven-wicket win.

It was the perfect way to prepare for this weekend’s league opener at Knowle and Dorridge (noon start).

Sutton said: “It has been a wet month so we’ve not had much time playing outside.

“As a result we were a bit rusty early on and dropped one or two catches before keeping them down to 214.

“But Matt, myself and Luke Radford scored 90 per cent of our runs to win the game.

“Knowle and Dorridge won’t be an easy game, games against them are always hard-nosed and determined.

“We’re pretty much as strong as we could be for this stage of the season, considering we won’t get Ed Pollock, Tom Banton from university until a bit later on.”

Green also played a friendly against Bromsgrove on Saturday, with Ben Tegg (128) providing the foundation as the Boars posted a huge 341-6.

Despite Lamb's 73, Green fell short on 268-8.

Sutton added: “Everyone was involved and it was a good workout for the season.”