BROMSGROVE'S recent streak of thrilling victories completely deserted them this week as they suffered a comprehensive five wicket beating from Barnards Green in Birmingham League Division One.

Electing to bat first, Bromsgrove failed to put enough runs on the board after being restricted to 208 for nine from their allotted 55 overs.

Bromsgrove skipper Mark Evenson said: "We didn't exactly cover ourselves in glory. We were looking to pile on the runs, but we kept losing wickets at crucial times.

"A score of 208 wasn't enough especially as were looking achieve a score in the region of 250 to 260."

Bromsgrove made a disastrous start to the innings losing opener Lewis Cordes without a run on the scoreboard.

Opening partner Jayden Levitt made 30 while Greg Chinn added 29 but it took 44 from wicketkeeper Tom Hill, batting at number eight, to give Bromsgrove's total any respectability.

But it proved to no avail as Barnards Green made a flying start with the bat when they replied.

Rising Worcestershire prospects Adam Wiffen with 54 and Ryan Tongue (58) put on 105 for the opening stand.

Seam bowler Gareth Williams grabbed two for 36 while skipper Evenson snapped up two for 54 with his spin, but couldn't prevent Barnards Green from cantering home on 209 for five in the 51st over.

Evenson added: "It was a limp performance. We had four or five batsmen who scored 20 or more, but that's not enough to win matches.

"Once again we found ourselves at 100 for five and didn't have enough in hand to push the accelerator when it mattered.

"For some reason, we never seem to play well against Barnards Green, who are becoming a bit of a bogey side. I don't think we've beaten them in the past four years, as they always seem to find a way of getting over the line."

Bromsgrove's prospects weren't helped with the absence of Warwickshire's Aaron Thomason who was away celebrating his 21st birthday.

He is expected to return this Saturday for the local derby at top of the table Kidderminster.

Evenson said: "There are no easy games at this level and Saturday will prove a big test. But we have to improve if we want to push for the top".