Sentinel skipper urges side to bounce back
Sentinel skipper Ed Ashlin has urged his side to bounce back from the rare disappointment of consecutive defeats when they host Streetly in the Birmingham League Third Division tomorrow.
The Albert Road men were blown away by South African Wade Lezar as they were bowled out for just 50 in losing by 81 runs at Brewood last weekend.
Sentinel should be boosted by the return of explosive batsman Craig Heath against fourth-placed Streetly as they look to rediscover the winning habit.
Reflecting on last weekend’s result, Ashlin said: “We were beaten by the better team on the day and we need to be better, I know that, so it was disappointing. That’s two defeats in a row and we’re not really used to that, so everyone was a little bit gutted. But I’m sure we’ll bounce back.
“I’ve said to the lads that we don’t become a bad team overnight. We knew moving up a level that every week was going to be a different challenge, so that’s what we’re coming across.
“But there’s lots of cricket to go and hopefully we can bounce back as quickly as possible and turn it around from the last couple of weeks.”
Sentinel seemed to be in a strong position at the halfway stage last weekend after dismissing Brewood for 131. But they then found runs much harder to come by as they were skittled for 50 in just 19 overs.
Ashlin is now seeking a positive reaction against Streetly:
“They’re in good form,” he added. “They made 300 last Saturday and we know it’s going to be a challenge. Every game asks us different questions and that’s what we’re enjoying.
“We know we’re a good team so we just need to get out there, stick together and perform our skills.”
Newport will also be aiming to put a nightmare afternoon behind them when they look to get their title push back on track at home to Nuneaton. Newport were bowled out for just 28 at Lichfield last week.
