Rain frustrates Barnt Green but skipper Sutton takes the positives - The Bromsgrove Standard

Rain frustrates Barnt Green but skipper Sutton takes the positives

Bromsgrove Editorial 1st Aug, 2018   0

FRUSTRATED skipper Andrew Sutton believed there were some positives to take from Barnt Green’s abandoned Birmingham League Premier Division clash against title-chasers Shrewsbury.

Second-from-bottom Green are right in the midst of a relegation battle and they showed signs of fight on Saturday but the rain quickly dashed any hopes of picking up the lion’s share of the points.

Green opted to bat after winning the toss and although Jamie Harrison (20) departed early doors, the hosts were really motoring along with Warwickshire’s Matt Lamb (56 not out) and George Hargrave (81) at the crease.

Green were at 159-2 inside 32 overs when Hargave was adjudged LBW.




And that proved to be the final ball of the match as the rain came tumbling down to force an abandonment, with Sutton’s side claiming nine points for their efforts.

“It was disappointing because the one time we actually gave ourselves a good platform for our lower and middle order to build from, it rained,” said Sutton.


“George and Matt played some really good stuff and we could have been on our way to setting a target of around 250 or 260 which nine times out of ten can earn you a winning draw at the very least.

“Unfortunately you can only control what you can control and when the rain floods the place like it did on Saturday it’s always going to be difficult.

“We are trying our hardest to find a way out the hole we are in and the lads are up for the fight.”

The fixtures get no easier for Green who will hope their positive performance against Shrewsbury carries into Saturday’s home game against league leaders Berkswell.

Ed Pollock and Lamb will be unavailable but Sutton is hoping to have Josh Poysden at his disposal.

Bowler Ryan Sidebottom is also expected to feature.

“Ideally we would like to have all four pros out at the same time but it gives an opportunity for others to shine,” said Sutton.

“Berkswell will be a tough test as it is tight at the top but if we play to our potential we know as a group we can win games of cricket.

“If we play well, read the situation well and read conditions well, we have it in us to beat anyone on our day.

“It’s important we take the confidence gained from Saturday forward as exciting times could be ahead of us.”

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