SKIPPER Andrew Sutton has labelled Barnt Green’s Birmingham League Premier Division clash against Wolverhampton this weekend as a must-win as they look to escape the bottom two as soon as possible.
The Cherry Hill Road side are yet to win this season and sit rock bottom of the table after six games.
However, they brought an end to three consecutive defeats with a losing draw to Ombersley last Saturday.
Tom Dell smashed an unbeaten 128 off 165 balls as Ombersley amassed 281-6 from their allotted 55 overs before Green were limited to 187-7 in their reply.
Green now turn their attentions to Saturday’s home clash against second-from-bottom Wolverhampton.
Victory for either side could be crucial in their bids to move out the drop zone and Sutton insists Green need to turn their fortunes around ‘sooner rather than later’.
“We cannot afford to lose this weekend because we could find ourselves with a bit of distance between ourselves and teams above us,” he told the Standard.
“Of course there is plenty of time to escape from the bottom group but we need to do it soon and that starts this weekend.
“Wolverhampton are in a similar situation so they will be wanting to win just as much as we do.
“If we can walk away with a win or winning draw we can pull ourselves a lot closer to the teams above us.
“We all have to step up, including myself, and hopefully we can get that first win.”
Sutton won the toss against Ombersley and opted to field but it proved to go against him as the hosts set the tone from the off.
Worcestershire prospect Dell led the way with an impressive 128 which featured 16 boundaries and two maximums.
He was ably supported by opener Jack Haynes who hit 74 off 82 balls in a 135-run second-wicket partnership.
Gareth Andrews then ploughed in 44 runs as Ombersley settled on a daunting 281-6.
Green looked as though they were staring down the barrel of defeat at 31-3 but a much-needed 55 from Warwickshire’s Matt Lamb steadied the ship.
Tom Brown (31) and Darrell Williams (30) then battled on as Green finished on 187-7 to pick up six points.
“It was good to stop the losing streak,” said Sutton.
“I said to the lads afterwards it’s important we learn how not to lose games but we have to kick on and get a first win under our belts.
“It’s crucial we stick together and hopefully we can come through what is a difficult period.”
