SKIPPER Andrew Sutton has labelled Barnt Green’s start to the new Birmingham League Premier Division season as one of the toughest yet.
After losing games against Kenilworth Wardens and West Bromwich Dartmouth to the poor weather, the Cherry Hill Road side have since been beaten by reigning champions Knowle & Dorridge and 2015 winners Shrewsbury last Saturday.
Sutton’s side now travel to 2016 champions Berkswell this Saturday and with both sides yet to register a win at this early stage in the campaign, the Green skipper knows something has to give.
“One of the key things we identified was having a good pre-season because of the tough start we were going to have this year,” said Sutton.
“Unfortunately the weather put paid to that but everybody is in the same boat.
“Berkswell have not had the start they would have liked but neither have we so hopefully we can turn things around.
“It’s going to be tough but that is why you want to play at this level.
“It’s arguably the best Premier Division in the country so we have got to make sure our guys are lifting their standards and aspiring to be the best.”
Shrewsbury opted to bat after winning the toss and despite losing Will Parton very early on, brothers Rob Foster and Ed Foster soon got the hosts ploughing along.
Rob crashed 120 off 128 balls while Ed played a steady 70 off 105 as the London Road side reached 270-8 from their 50 overs.
Sutton was the pick of the Green bowlers, taking 4-55 from his ten overs.
In reply Green slumped to 43-6 before being hustled out for 122 after 37 overs with only Joshua Poysden (46) offering any sort of resistance.
“When you’re at 43-6, no matter who you have in the lower order chasing 270 is practically impossible,” said Sutton.
“Unfortunately we were not at our best and barring a few interesting umpire decisions, there were no major complaints from us.
“It was just one of those days so it was a case of getting back to the drawing board for how we tackle Berkswell.”
