BARNT Green skipper Andrew Sutton has warned complacency cannot creep in when they travel to Birmingham League Premier Division basement boys Brockhampton this weekend.
The Cherry Hill Road side go into Saturday’s clash in Herefordshire in good form having won their last two league outings.
Green’s latest success came on Saturday with an 85-run victory at West Bromwich Dartmouth inspired by Warwickshire’s Matt Lamb who fell one short of his century while 15-year-old bowler Jacques Banton claimed a remarkable seven wickets from his 12.4 overs.
The 24 points for Sutton’s side moved them further away from the relegation zone but with Brockhampton fighting for their lives, the Green captain is hoping for no slip-ups.
“It’s a difficult place to go to as their wicket is small and straight,” he said.
“We cannot afford to be complacent especially as we could be without some key players with Warwickshire in T20 action this weekend.
“However, if those lads are not available then it gives guys a chance to step-in and step-up.
“We are not even halfway through the season yet but if we can get to the 140 to 150 point mark sooner rather than later then we can try and push further up the table.”
Green were put into bat in the Black County after losing the toss and quickly dropped to 46-3.
But a patient 99 from Lamb steadied the ship as he built plenty of partnerships with those around him.
Overseas signing James Psarakis (20) was run out for the fifth time in six games while William Baker also chipped in with 20.
After Lamb departed with the score at 229-8, the final partnership of Sutton (12 not out) and Josh Poysden (15 not out) set Dartmouth a target of 249-8.
Despite a 69 from Liam Banks, the hosts were bowled out for 164 with Banton claiming seven wickets for 64 runs.
“Jacques did really well and I am thrilled for him to have picked up seven wickets,” Sutton said.
“That is testament to what we do here at Barnt Green because we give youngsters the opportunity whether they fail or succeed.
“Young lads are given the experience of high level cricket and Jacques is one of those who has taken his opportunity with the bat and ball.
“It’s our policy to give the likes of Jacques and Adam Hines chances in the first team and kick on to be the future of our club.”
