BROMSGROVE have secured their Birmingham League Division One status for a further year, despite slumping to a 76-run defeat to Barnards Green.
The Boars, who only needed five points from last Saturday’s game to avoid the drop, walked away from North End Lane with six points to ensure their safety was secured without the need of going to the final day of the season.
George Rhodes (57) and Adam Wiffen (44) were the leading batsmen as Green closed on 204-8 in 40 overs, with Ash Newfield (4-42) and Gareth Williams (3-19) the pick of the bowlers for Bromsgrove who collapsed to 131 all out after a promising start.
Ryan Pedley hit 56 for the Boars, with Josh Blunt taking 4-24 and Andy Ford taking 3-26 for Green.
“Ideally we wanted the 20 points but when we’ve picked up just 14 over the last few weeks, it’s a tall order to get a win so to get the magic five points was the main objective,” said skipper Mark Evenson.
“We bowled first as we knew we could get the bonus points from that easier than batting so when we had Barnards eight-down it was half the job done.
“Thankfully we got above 120 in reply to get the remaining points needed to secure our safety in this division for another year.”
Bromsgrove complete the season on Saturday when league champions Kidderminster visit St Godwald’s Park.
“It’s going to be tough but we want to end the season on a high,” added Evenson.
