TENBURY skipper Zack Yarranton praised run machine Andy Adams as the opener hit another half-century to maintain his side’s place at the top of Worcestershire League Division Five.

This time it was Barnt Green 3rd who felt the full force of Adams’ hitting as Tenbury wrapped up an 82-run victory.

His majestic 57 means he has scored 50 or more in six of his side’s opening eight matches this season.

Yarranton said: “He’s a brilliant bat whatever the circumstances. As they say, ‘form is temporary, class is permanent’. To be able to rely on his runs is a huge bonus but we also have the depth and quality further down the order.”

Visitors Barnt Green won the toss and put Tenbury in to bat on a slow Penlu track. Not that that seemed to unsettle Adams and opening partner Aaron Morris (25) as they gave their side the perfect platform.

There were useful contributions down the order too with Mark Yarranton (31), David Hunt (27), Tom Rawlings (26) and Ben Thompson (18) keeping the scoreboard ticking over before an unbeaten 11 from Matthew Jones saw Tenbury to 217-7 from their 50 overs.

And although the visitors made an impressive start, they were finally undone by some good bowling, particularly from Jack Farrar who took out the lower order with 4-20.

Skipper Zack Yarranton claimed 3-38 while Mark Yarranton, Rob Farrar and Morris all finished with a wicket apiece as Barnt Green were skittled out for 135.

“The Penlu track always looks good but it was difficult to bat on with the ball coming on slow,” Yarranton added.

“We had to work hard for the runs but we knew that anything over 200 would give us a good chance.

“Everyone played their part and there was a useful partnership between Tom Rawlings and Mark Yarranton to take us over 200.

“They then raced to 60 or 70 in no time at all and I was a little worried to be honest. But we managed to get a few wickets and once their big hitters at the top had gone they seemed to struggle.

“We bowled well, especially Jack who really turned it. The track suited him – he’s not the quickest but it allowed him to turn it a long way and they struggled to score off him.”

On Saturday, Tenbury head to Droitwich 3rd, a side struggling near the foot of the table.

Yarranton added: “We’ll be looking to pick up another win to keep us at the top going into the turn. There’s still a long way to go but it’s good to be on top at the halfway point.”