BROMSGROVE enjoyed much the better of a drawn contest with Tamworth to enhance their promotion prospects in Birmingham League Division One.

That was after Bromsgrove posted a total of 235 for nine and then had Tamworth clinging on at 167 for eight by close of play.

Bromsgrove skipper Mark Evenson said: "We were better at all three disciplines, which was very pleasing when you consider that they stuffed us at our place earlier in the season."

Bromsgrove made first use of a fairly docile wicket only to find themselves in early trouble at 13 for two.

Ryan Pedley then plundered 56 while Ash Newfield added 49, the pair putting on 98 for third wicket.

Alec Baker blitzed a further 49 while Jack Taylor supplied another 37 as Bromsgrove began to pile on the runs.

Tamworth soon dropped anchor in reply, Callum Render reached 58 off 97 balls while Scott Daly saw his side home after scoring 35 not out from 83 balls.

Evenson added: "We decided to make first use of the wicket, because we thought it would deteriorate at some stage. But in truth, we would have probably needed another 20 overs to try and get the last couple of wickets."

Evenson again impressed with the ball by bagging three for 38 off 16 overs, while Alex Wilkinson claimed two for 25 from 11 and Ash Newfield three for 37 in 13 overs.

Evenson added: "Tamworth were very grateful to get away with a losing draw.

"We have to make sure now that we get ourselves into a handy position by the time we return to win-lose cricket by keeping in touch with the top two sides.

"Although we're in sixth position at the moment, we're only 20 points adrift of second placed Shifnal, who we visit this Saturday."

Evenson missed out on the services of Warwickshire all-rounder Aaron Thomason, who was named in the county squad that travelled to Lords but the Bromsgrove skipper remains confident he will have Thomason available on a more regular basis as from mid August.