SIDELINED skipper Mark Evenson has warned Bromsgrove cannot afford to lose wickets in clusters if they want to stand any chance of winning games in Birmingham League Division One this season.
The call from Evenson, who is out with a broken thumb, comes after the Boars were hustled out for just 109 at home to Tamworth last Saturday.
Bromsgrove looked set to be posting a competitive target at 80-2 but once Jayden Levitt departed (39) the home side’s innings fell away.
Jason Jakeman (4-16) got the lion’s share of the wickets for Tamworth who skittled Bromsgrove out with 16 overs to spare.
In reply Jakeman then hit an unbeaten 53 off 80 balls to guide the visitors 113-4 in the 32nd over.
“The result was disappointing as it was our first chance to play some cricket and I think losing the toss made a big difference due to the state of the wicket,” said Evenson.
“We looked comfortable but went back to our normal ways of trying to bat our way out of trouble instead of hanging around and nullifying Tamworth’s spirit.
“We always talk about trying not lose wickets in clusters as it kills games and that is always the forefront of any team talk.
“With everything at stake this year due to the league restructure we will hopefully put that right this weekend.”
Bromsgrove welcome Shifnal to St Godwald’s Park on Saturday with the Shropshire visitors having a 100 per cent win record after two games.
Evenson and Gareth Williams remain out while Tom Hill and Aaron Thomason are expected to return.
Thomason missed Bromsgrove’s defeat to Tamworth after being called up for 12th man duties at Warwickshire.
“Shifnal are a good side but we beat them at our place last season so we know we can get the win,” said Evenson.
“I cannot see the toss influencing the result as the wicket will be better due to the dry spells we have had so it will be down to who plays the best cricket on the day.
“It’s a competitive division and we have to earn the right to win every week.
“I cannot fault our bowling and fielding but in terms of our batting we cannot be losing wickets in clusters.”
