Bromsgrove rescue a win after shaky start by batsmen

Once again, Bromsgrove's early order batting imploded as they slumped to firstly 36 for four and then 82 for seven.

Matters were turned around by a vital eighth wicket partnership of 71 between Deon Patel and wicketkeeper Tom Hill.

Patel plundered 41 while Hill remained unbeaten on 47 not out as Bromsgrove boosted their total to 187 all out.

Bromsgrove skipper Mark Evenson said: "The partnership was massive in the context of the game. They both applied themselves and it was a lesson in how to bat for our top order."

Bromsgrove still had a huge hurdle to negotiate when they replied in the shape of Worcestershire's Daryl Mitchell.

Evenson added: "We knew that if Daryl Mitchell remained at the crease for 30 overs, then it would be match over.

"He started like a house on fire and hit me for a couple of fours. But then he tried to turn one of my deliveries down to third man and it hit the top of the stumps. It was nice to see the back of him.

"It was a huge wicket to get for only 37 runs and the rest of Brockhampton's innings disintegrated after that."

Evenson went onto claim an impressive five for 20 from 12.2 overs while fellow left arm off spinner Ash Newfield also got in on the act with three for eight off six overs, Warwickshire's Aaron Thomason picked up the remaining wickets to fall as Brockhampton were bowled out for 130.

The result lifts Bromsgrove well clear off the drop zone and into mid-table but Evenson was quick to admit his side's batting must start to improve.

He said: "We have to start getting ourselves into a position where we can begin to bat sides out of the game.

"The fact that we only put 187 on the board, meant we would have to take 10 wickets to stand any chance of winning the game, which puts additional pressure on the bowlers. We have to bat better.

"After the game, we stayed behind and had a chat with Daryl Mitchell. He's a top bloke."

Bromsgrove travel to fourth placed Tamworth this Saturday.