ASTWOOD Bank captain Steve Adshead says last season’s brush with relegation from the Birmingham League Division Three was the kick up the backside the club needed.

The Sambourne Lane outfit are gearing up for the new season with a renewed sense of purpose as they take on Fordhouses at home this weekend (noon start).

Last season, Bank finished in the bottom four spots, but were given a reprieve after Pelsall had points deducted following a fracas with Worcester CC.

Adshead admits last season’s close call was perhaps what the club needed. He said: “A few years ago we had a target as a team to win promotion to the Birmingham League. It’s not like we lacked motivation, but I think the near miss was the kick up the backside we needed.

“But the atmosphere around the club is brilliant this season, there’s a sense of togetherness. We actually made a good start to last season for whatever reason we faded.”

Former Astwood Bank youth team man Tom Underhill returns from Bromsgrove to bolster their batting line-up.

Teenager bowler Jack Price could also make an impact after taking four wickets in their warm-up victory over Halesowen at the weekend.

The fourths enjoyed a six-wicket win over Barnards Green thirds, Keiran Neilson-Watts hitting 53 not out.

Meanwhile, Clare Boycott’s half-century and four wickets from Emily Blakemore secured the Astwood Bank Women a first win of the season against Moddershall.

Bowlers Grace Robinson and Emily Saunders helped to restrict Moddershall to 102-9.

A great opening partnership of 65 between Boycott and Charlie Evans (22) then put them on track for a win.