SKIPPER Mark Evenson has urged Bromsgrove to keep their foot on the gas so they can hit peak form heading into their favoured win/lose format of the game.
The Boars currently sit sixth in the Birmingham League Division One table but are just 20 points behind second-placed Shifnal, a side they face on Saturday.
A win or a winning draw could fire Evenson’s side to within touching distance of the promotion spots with one more win/lose/draw fixture at home to relegation-threatened Himley to come on the following Saturday (August 4).
Unfortunately Evenson, who has taken 20 wickets since his return from a broken thumb, will be missing for the trip to Shropshire but Mark Meacham is expected to be called in from the Seconds for his first-team debut.
“There’s more than enough quality in the squad to go over to Shifnal and win the game,” said Evenson, who is also hoping Warwickshire’s Aaron Thomason will be available.
“A winning draw would be a fantastic result too because we want to manoeuvre ourselves into a strong position before we head into our favoured win/lose format.
“Shifnal is a big test but I know we are capable of getting the right result.
“Over the last few seasons one of the areas we looked at improving was trying to play smarter cricket in the win/lose/draw format because we are very much an outright team.
“We prefer to win or lose but we have had some losing draws, winning draws as well as some wins in this format this year which is pleasing, especially after a ropy start.”
The Boars head into their clash at Shifnal in fine fettle after walking away with a winning draw at Tamworth.
After winning the toss, Bromsgrove opted to bat first and got off to a shaky start, quickly falling to 13-2.
However, Ryan Pedley (56) and Ashley Newfield (49) steadied the ship as Bromsgrove reached 120-4 by the time both batsmen had been removed.
Alec Baker fell one short of half century while Jack Taylor (37) and Tom Hill (21 not out) kept the scoreboard ticking over as Bromsgrove finished on 235-9 from their allotted 55 overs.
In reply, once Evenson (3-38) removed Callum Render (58) and Ashley Newfield (3-37) took all his wickets in one over, Tamworth blocked out for a losing draw, finishing on 167-8.
“Tamworth stuffed us early on in the season so to come away with the lion’s share of the points was great,” said Evenson.
“What was more pleasing was our all round performance.
“Yes, we lost a few wickets in clusters but lots of guys chipped in which is what you need at the business stage of the season.”
