BROMSGROVE captain Mark Evenson praised the mental toughness of seamer Tom Russell after his six-wicket haul against Halesowen.

The Boars returned to winning ways thanks to an eight-wicket win at Seth Somers Park last Saturday.

However, it was bowler Russell's contribution that won the approval of Evenson due to it coming just days after his brother picked up a nasty facial injury in training.

Matt Russell suffered a broken jaw in four places last Thursday after a ball went under his helmet grill. He then underwent surgery at the weekend.

Unfazed by a difficult few days, brother Tom (6-42) was soon causing the Hales batsmen problems and teamed up well with Gareth Williams (3-29) to bowl out the hosts for just 71.

A quick-fire 27 from Jayden Levitt then set up Bromsgrove's victory.

Evenson said: "It's been a couple of disappointing weeks for us so it was nice to have a very convincing game of cricket. It was a pleasing reaction from the team.

"Both Tom and Gareth bowled to the conditions really well and it was pleasing to stand back and watch them doing their thing.

"It must have been a really difficult week for Tom seeing his brother hurt in that way but he came out on Saturday after a very tough few days and showed his mental strength and did brilliantly for us.

"It was a really nasty incident and everyone would like to wish Matt a speedy recovery."

Bromsgrove will hope to back up the win when they host fifth-placed Himley this Saturday (noon start).

"Hopefully the win can kick-start our season and we can finally put back-to-back wins together now," added Evenson.