CAPTAIN Ross Mantle insisted the commitment at Corvedale could not be questioned despite Saturday’s nine-wicket mauling by Calverhall.

Having been wiped out for 44 within 17 overs, The Dale were consigned to defeat within five overs of the response beginning at Millichope Park.

The result left the hosts 36 points shy of safety in Shropshire County League Division Three with nine games to play but Mantle’s faith in his boys remains undiminished.

“Most of us got out to decent bowling,” said Mantle. “There were a couple of people who played rushed shots but Calverhall kept to some tight lines and they were a bit too good.

“Sometimes it just happens that way, you can’t do anything about it. I could not fault my players or accuse them of a lack of effort, they gave everything they had and I would never question that. They always give me 100 per cent.

“As a captain, I always try to look on the brighter side of things and it was one of those days where it wasn’t to be. The whole day was summed up by the last delivery, he edged it for four and won the match.”

Mantle was seen off for seven with fellow opener Stephen Riley’s 16 turning out to be the pick of Corvedale’s bunch.

No one else reached double figures with no fewer than four batsmen returning without score as Alex Parker (3-5) and Christopher Rowe (3-8) ran riot.

David Hares (20*) and Bradley Sumner (17*) sealed Calverhall’s success within 28 deliveries despite Rowe being ran out for five by Riley. The visitors picked up 21 league points having finished on 46 for one.

It was far from ideal preparation for Saturday’s trip to third-bottom Trysull & Seisdon (1pm), particularly as Corvedale’s relegation rivals head into it on the back of a victory.

Mantle, though, believes his side can still beat the drop.

“There have been a couple of occasions where we just missed out this season," he added. "St George’s went down to one wicket and a handful of others where one half-chance going our way could have made all the difference.

“They are the fine margins you work with in cricket. Some of the matches against strong teams have been tough but we always look for the next win and go into every match upbeat and ready.

“We never go into a game thinking we’re going to get beaten and showed that by getting the better of one of the top teams, Cae Glas, earlier on in the season.

“On our day, we can beat anyone in this league so we remain confident, we have to. I have faith in the players and the ability we have, we know we can perform.

“Last season we had a run of six wins on the trot which in this league was quite a big thing. We know we can do it.”