OMBERSLEY skipper Arti Fiaz says he feels good about the new Birmingham League Premier Division season ahead of their home clash against local rivals Barnt Green.
Fiaz’s side currently sit fifth in the table having won two of their opening three games, with their only defeat coming a fortnight ago to reigning champions Berkswell.
The Main Road side returned to winning ways on Saturday with a confidence-boosting seven-wicket victory over Walsall and with just two games left before moving to the 55-over format, skipper Fiaz is targeting victories in both games.
Barnt Green are the visitors on Saturday which is followed by a trip to Kidderminster the weekend after.
“I am feeling pretty good about the season as the potential is there for us to do really well, especially with the players we have got,” Fiaz said.
“Our aim this weekend is to build on our victory over Walsall before the 50-over format comes to an end.
“Both games are winnable and if we can have four wins out five by the time we reach the 55-over format we will be in a good place.
“We just need to do the job and go from one Saturday to the next.”
Ombersley bowled out Walsall for just 157 after 48.4 overs on Saturday with Gareth Andrew (3-44) and Edward Baylis (3-30) taking the lion’s share of the wickets.
In reply, Liam Gwynne (20) departed with Ombersley at 25 but Worcestershire’s Brett D’Oliveira (76) and Joshua Dell (43) pushed the score to 121 before the latter was bowled leg before.
After D’Oliveira was caught out, it was left for Nicholas Hammond (11 not out) and Andrew (2 not out) to hit the winning runs as Ombersley reached 158-3 in the 33rd over.
“Without being disrespectful but the Walsall fixture was one we expected do well in,” Fiaz said.
“After the first hour we had taken six of their wickets but they battled on and blocked the ball which made it hard to get them out.
“If anything, we were not ruthless enough with the ball.
“However, our run chase was very professional and overall it was a job well done.”
Only D’Oliveira is missing for Ombersley this weekend due to being on Worcestershire duty.
