BROMSGROVE blew their chances of promotion from Birmingham League Division One when they suffered a two wicket defeat against fellow title challengers Smethwick.

That was after Bromsgrove fell short with their batting when bowled out for 206 in the 41st over.

Smethwick then had plenty of time to knock off the required runs, reaching a winning 207 for eight in the 49th over.

Bromsgrove skipper Mark Evenson admitted: "Mathematically, we can still get promoted, but realistically, it's all over. We didn't get some of the basics right when it mattered while other factors conspired against us."

Bromsgrove had looked well placed to produce a big total after Jayden Levitt and Alexei Kervezee put on 134 for the third wicket.

But then Levitt with 62 and Keverzee, who made 85, both fell victim to Sajid Ahmedazai within the space of two balls.

The remainder of Bromsgrove's batting soon fell apart to the bowling of Gurinder Singh who took four for 38, leaving Evenson to concede: "We were 30 to 40 runs short at least."

Bromsgrove's reply commenced in disasterous fashion when strike bowler Gareth Williams broke down injured after just two balls and Alexei Kervezee had to come on and complete the over.

Evenson said: "Gareth didn't bowl at nets on Thursday and complained of a tight calf muscle. I knew after the first ball that something was wrong when he hobbled back to his mark.

"After the second ball, Gareth admitted he couldn't continue bowling and struggled around the pitch for the remaining 48 overs. He was very upset.

"It was a big loss with the new ball. Gareth has the ability to tie batsmen down early on and put them under pressure. Without him, we couldn't apply that pressure.

"But the defeat wasn't down to Gareth.

"We didn't help ourselves and put down some crucial catches at an important times in the game.

"In fact, all the things we talked about before the game, went wrong.

"However, at the start of the season we set out to achieve a top four finish and that's what we intend to do.

"Ashley Newfield returns from wedding duty and we shall be at full strength for our final two fixtures, at home to Moseley this Saturday and then away to Leamington Spa."