CLEOBURY Mortimer skipper Ed Kemp was disappointed that his side were unable to set a more competitive total as they lost at top of the table Goodrich.

Choosing to bat first after winning the toss, Kemp himself started well as he made his way to 20. But he was unable to build on the early foundations as he was bowled by Mark Bradford. It was a similar story for James Manley (20) and Sam Evans, top scorer with 22, who were also unable to convert strong starts.

Goodrich bowler Chris Abell claimed a maiden five wicket haul, going for just 20 runs in five overs, as he ripped his way through the remainder of the Cleobury Mortimer batting line-up. They were eventually bowled out for 114 from 29 overs, which was never likely to be enough for victory against a strong Goodrich outfit.

Kemp said that the team needed to improve their batting performances and start giving themselves a competitive total to defend.

He said: “We have been struggling for numbers, with only ten players again last week, but we only have ourselves to blame really. Three players got in, but couldn’t convert. Another 60 runs or so and we would have given ourselves half a chance to win it.

“The pleasing thing is the heads never dropped and we bowled well, so there are positives. It’s disappointing as we are more than capable of picking up results.”

Goodrich were in no mood to hang around as they started their response. Opener Chris Tookey top scored with 30 before he was removed by Oliver Rowland. He was supported by Rory Jackson (27) and James O’Brien (28no) as the league leaders knocked-off the 115 runs required in just over 14 overs to wrap up a comprehensive victory.

As well as difficulties in fielding a full side, the fixture list has been unkind to Cleobury Mortimer with successive away games against third and first, followed up next weekend by a visit from second placed Garnons.

But Kemp is remaining optimistic about his side’s prospects and wants his team to deliver this weekend as they return to their home ground.

He said: “We will have played the top three teams in the division in three weeks so obviously that makes it difficult, but we are looking forward to playing at home where we have had some positive results.

“We have got a good team out so we want to get something out of the game and then we have a run of fixtures against the teams around us in the league, so if we can pick up some wins then things can change very quickly. We need to get some confidence back and hopefully in a couple of weeks time, things will be looking more positive.”