ASTWOOD Bank skipper Steve Adshead admits his side need to kick on following a tough start to life in Birmingham League Division Two.

It follows a five wicket reverse against Cannock based C and R Hawks which leaves the Bank sitting uncomfortably in second from bottom spot.

Adshead lost his fourth consecutive toss as the Bank found themselves inserted on a wicket giving assistance to the bowlers.

After posting a target of 173 for seven which saw Sam Thomas make top score of 48, Hawks had little difficulty in knocking off the required runs to reach a winning 176 for five in reply.

Adshead said: "We did pretty well to put over 170 runs on the board. Our real problem was that we didn't put the ball in the right area when we replied.

"Our bowling discipline has been the key to our strength in the past and as a result, we weren't able to put the Hawks under any sort of pressure.

"We made a slow start last season and lost the first couple of games, yet still went on to have a successful season.

"But we need to be at our best to win matches at this level when we seem to be coming up against more players who are match winners."

Hawks were able to include former England, Worcester and Lancashire quick bowler Kabir Ali in their ranks who now bowls off-spin.

However, it was Valeed Butt who made top score of 51 as Hawks chased down the Banks' total to reach 176 for five.

The Bank travel to Wolverhampton-based Fordhouses this Saturday when they will be missing their talisman Adshead with Pete Alexander stepping up to take charge.