SKIPPER Dominic Ostler has urged Berkswell to keep their momentum going as they enter the business stage of the Birmingham League Premier Division campaign.
The 2016 champions currently top the table with seven win/lose games remaining but are just six points above title holders Knowle & Dorridge.
Berkswell and K&D battle it out on the penultimate weekend in what could be a title decider but Ostler was quick to point out third-placed West Bromwich Dartmouth are not out of the championship race just yet.
“West Brom have played some fantastic cricket this year,” said Ostler.
“The game we had rained off last weekend was against them so it would have been interesting to see who would have come out on top in that.
“It’s definitely a three-horse race because I think Shrewsbury have started to fade in the last couple of weeks.
“Whether the title will be decided when we face K&D is a different question altogether but it will certainly have an awful lot riding on it.
“We are playing some good stuff right now and if we win all our games we will be crowned champions. We just have to keep our momentum going.”
Berkswell head to fourth-from-bottom Ombersley on Saturday and go into the clash in fine fettle after claiming a five-wicket victory over struggling Barnt Green on Saturday.
Hosts Green opted to bat after winning the toss but were quickly reduced to 44-4.
However, a fine innings from Jacques Banton (101) motored the scoreboard along and with cameos from Darrel Williams (43 not out) and Ryan Sidebottom, Green posted 241-9 from their allotted 55 overs.
Berkswell made steady progress in reply through Ateeq Javid (59 off 59 balls) and Daniel Chaundry (30).
Chris Whittock (32) and Nick James (75 off just 58 deliveries) continued to push Berkswell closer to their target before a sixth-wicket partnership between Daniel Clark (9 not out) and Ostler (9no) pushed the visitors to 244-5 inside 43 overs.
“Barnt Green had a very strong side out but we claimed victory relatively comfortably in the end,” said Ostler.
“It was a good win for us, especially after we had our game against West Brom abandoned the weekend before.
“Ombersley will be another tough test for us because they are fighting to stay in this division. We have to approach the game with the same attitude as we have done all season.”
