SKIPPER Sam Reddish is expecting an immediate reaction from reigning Birmingham League Premier Division champions Knowle & Dorridge after they fell to their first league defeat of the season at the hands of Kenilworth Wardens.
New Zealand international George Worker was missing for K&D’s trip to Kenilworth on Saturday because he was resting a hamstring injury and perhaps his presence was missed as the visitors were bowled out for a below-par 165 after their 50 overs.
Jack Grundy (39) top-scored while Prerak Mankad (4-34) did the damage with the ball for the hosts.
Daniel Mousey (48) and Nick Seager (42) then led the way with the bat for Kenilworth who claimed victory with four overs to spare, posting 167-6.
“It was just one those days where we did not turn up,” said Reddish.
“You are not going to win every game in this division and you are going to have dips in form.
“And that is something we spoke about after the game as well as the importance of bouncing back.
“It’s disappointing to have lost. However, I am confident the lads have the ability to put this behind them and get back to winning ways.”
K&D entertain Walsall on Saturday, a side who they secured a league double over on their way to the Premier Division crown last season.
Worker will once again be missing for the first game of the win/lose/draw format while wicket-keeper Ben Griffin comes in for Nick Sale.
Youngsters Will Rigg and Ethan Brookes will also be drafted into the squad.
“Walsall are a very competitive side and have always been around this division,” said Reddish.
“We did the double over them last year and even though that can give us some confidence, it’s a new season so we can’t look to much into previous games.
“All we need to focus on is making sure we perform better than we did against Kenilworth.
“If we don’t, then we are going to lose again and we don’t want to do that.
“I am confident Saturday’s defeat was just a blip so I am sure the players will want to go out there and perform.”
DORRIDGE ended league leaders Shrewsbury’s 100 per cent winning record with a 71-run victory.
Wicket-keeper Joe Dodd led the Dorridge batters with a fine innings of 72 to help the visitors to 225-9 at the end of 50 overs at London Road.
Shrewsbury looked well placed at 81-1 but they faded away to 154 all out with James Harris picking up 4-16.
Dorridge visit Smethwick on Saturday.
