BROMSGROVE skipper Mark Evenson is hoping his side can quickly bounce back following their harrowing 183-run defeat to Barnards Green in Division One of the Birmingham League on Saturday.
After winning the toss and electing to field, the Boars seemed to be making good headway, reducing Green to 91-4.
However, Phil Harris proved to be the thorn in the side for Evenson as he racked up 98 runs off 82 balls to put the visitors in control.
To add insult to injury, Harris was dropped by Alex Wilkinson when the captain was on seven runs.
Jamie Tapper added a further 41 runs to push Green to 247-8 from their 55 overs.
In response, Bromsgrove failed in their run chase as they were bowled out for a paltry 64 with Ash Newfield (11), Ben Tegg (13) and Lewis Cordes (14) the only players to reach double figures.
George Rhodes shined with the ball for Green, taking five wickets for ten to push the visitors towards the victory in the 30th over.
Evenson said: “It was a very disappointing result. With a wet wicket we thought we could bowl Green out for around 150 but we bowled ourselves out of the game from a strong position at 91-4.
“The dropped catch didn’t help as their skipper went on to get 98 and after going into this game on the back of two winning draws, I’m very disappointed in all areas of our play.
“We need to show alot of character and it starts on Saturday. We’ve got to forget the poor result and try to earn 20 or 24 points to help push us back towards mid-table at a crucial point in the season.”
The Boars make the journey to Moseley on Saturday looking to return to winning ways.
Evenson will hand Jack Harding his first team debut and is boosted by the return of Alexei Kervezee while Tom Green and Tom Hill are unavailable.
“Mosely are a very good side despite their league position. They’ve got firepower with the ball and in this league, anyone can beat anyone on their day,” Evenson added.
“It’s good to have Alexei back as here’s been with us a few seasons now and he’s put on some fantastic knocks and I’m hoping he’ll put on another good knock this weekend.”
