FRUSTRATED skipper Andrew Sutton knows his Barnt Green side needs to show more backbone with the bat if they are to claim their first Birmingham League Premier Division victory.
The Cherry Hill Road side remain rooted to the bottom of the table following last Saturday’s 20-run defeat to high-flying Moseley.
And the matches don’t get any easier as Green make the trip to third-from-bottom and county rivals Ombersley on Saturday who will have the aim of putting some distance between themselves and the drop zone.
“We knew the three games against Shrewsbury, Knowle & Dorridge and Berkswell would be tough but I thought Moseley presented an opportunity to get into some form of momentum,” said Sutton.
“But we just don’t seem to be managing the games well enough.
“Our bowling and fielding is coming on nicely but I think there needs to be more intelligent play with the bat.
“Everyone has to stand up and be counted, including myself.
“We need to rethink our approach with the batting so guys are sticking around and not being removed cheaply.
“Maybe we have to look at changing the personnel or switching the order but we have to try and escape from the bottom end of the pack as soon as possible.”
Green slumped to a fourth straight defeat but they looked well in control when they had Moseley at 55-7 before they were eventually all out for 123.
Sutton took 4-41 from his 14 overs.
But the batting woes continued for Green as they were all out for 103 in the 46th over.
Tom Brown (20) top scored while there was some late resistance from Australian bowler Ryan Sidebottom (18 not out).
Alex Thomson (4-21), Jugdip Nandra (3-9) and Yadvinder Singh (3-31) shared the wickets.
“At 55-7 maybe we could have closed the game out quicker but they had a few guys late on just blocking the balls before going on a late charge,” said Sutton.
“I was happy at the halfway stage and the sun came out, the pitch dried up which made it perfect for batting on.
“Unfortunately the top four pushed the momentum back in the favour of Moseley’s hands with a couple of loose shots.”
