SKIPPER Andrew Sutton says Barnt Green will not be disheartened after losing to Birmingham League Premier Division leaders Knowle & Dorridge at the weekend.
The Cherry Hill Road side were left mesmerised by a stunning display from K&D’s New Zealand star George Worker who hit 63, taking his tally for 968 for the season, in the hosts’ total of 282-8.
He then picked up 7-32 with the ball as the visitors were bowled out for 151 in the 48th over.
Green had been ticking along nicely at 120-2, thanks to some steady batting from Tom Brown (59) and Matt Lamb (31).
However, once the latter departed, the batting collapse soon followed as K&D closed out a 131-run victory.
But Sutton told the Standard there were no quibbles with the defeat as they were simply beaten by the ‘better side’.
“I said to the lads afterwards they should not lose heart because K&D are a very talented side and you can see why they are fighting for the title,” he said.
“We were not quite at the races which was a little bit disappointing because we have been playing so well over the last five weeks.
“It’s a case now of dusting ourselves down and preparing for our next game because the tough tests keep on coming.”
The Green entertain local rivals Ombersley on Saturday who will be without Worcestershire’s Ben Cox and Brett D’Oliveira.
But Sutton pointed out the visitors still boast plenty of quality with Liam Gwynne, Joshua Dell and Nicholas Hammond among their ranks.
“Ombersley may have a few faces missing but they are a very good side which has a strong middle order,” he added.
“They are in the top four for the right reasons so to beat them we are going to have to perform like we had been doing prior to the defeat to K&D.
“We have some availability issues of our own but we have plenty of confidence so we’ll be looking to return to winning ways.”
Tom Banton and Lamb are missing this weekend but Sutton is hopeful of retaining the services of Ed Pollock and Joshua Poysden.
