Cricket
Skipper remains positive

BROMSGROVE CC captain Mark Evenson insists promotion from Birmingham League Division One is still there for the taking despite seeing his side fall to an agonising final ball three-wicket defeat at Smethwick on Saturday.

The Boars struggled to 118-9 from their reduced 32 overs after being put in but seemed to be on their way to victory with Smethwick needing 28 off the final three overs, only for the home side to scrape home in dramatic fashion.

Heading into tomorrow’s home clash with Shifnal, Bromsgrove sit fifth in the table, 21 points behind the promotion places with nine games still to play.

“Hopefully we can get a good result against Shifnal on Saturday, as we did at their place, and 20 or 24 points would leave us in a good position going into the last seven or eight games,” Evenson said.

“There is still plenty to play for, we still have to play all of the top teams again so in that sense, it is still in our hands.

“We are still the masters of our own destiny so it us up to us how we perform between now and the end of the season.”

When play finally began at 2.40pm, Bromsgrove took to the middle knowing conditions were still going to suit the bowlers despite the sun finally emerging, and so it proved.

Warwickshire’s Neil Carter ripped out the top order, taking 5-29 to put the visitors firmly on the back foot.

Only Jayden Levitt (50) stood firm, counter attacking the experienced seamer well and trying to shield him from the other players.

James Ganderton (15) offered support and the pair took the total past three figures, eventually reaching 118.

Smethwick got off to a steady start initially with Boars’ new overseas player Noah Samsodien doing his best to keep things tight.

Evenson rotated the bowlers well and kept things tight himself to help add to the pressure to the situation.

Wickets fell regularly and Bromsgrove looked in a strong position with three overs remaining.

The equation came down to ten needed off the final over and six off the first ball made the home side huge favourites.

Samsodien stood firm and conceded just one off the next three deliveries, meaning three were needed off two balls.

That became one off the final ball and the hosts scampered a single despite a direct hit from Mikey Wyres to take victory.

“To lose like that was a bit of a kick in the teeth to be honest,” Evenson said.

“We thought we were about 25 short at halfway but the lads stuck together brilliantly, fielded brilliantly and bowled well, unfortunately it just wasn’t to be.

“Sometimes you win on the last ball and sometimes you lose, that’s cricket. We have to bounce back now on Saturday and show the same sort of togetherness that got us so close to defending a below par total against Smethwick.”

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