BROMSGROVE remain hard on the heels of Birmingham League Division One leaders Bridgnorth despite suffering the frustration of coming within one wicket of beating Leamington.

Having piled on the runs to reach an imposing 304 for five, Bromsgrove then had Leamington on the ropes in reply as they closed on 234 for nine.

But Bromsgrove skipper Mark Evenson admitted that the score looked closer than it was and revealed: "We took the ninth wicket with the final ball of the game. Their last man never even came out to bat.

"To be honest, the score looks closer than it was, but they virtually gave us their last two wickets as they went in search of reaching 243, which would have given them another bonus point.

"It had crossed my mind to make a declaration when we were batting, but with the bowling attack we had available, I thought 55 overs was quite sufficient if we were going to bowl them out".

Jayden Levitt took the batting plaudits by scoring 120 and together with Ashley Newfield, who made 40, put on 121 for the opening stand.

Further contributions came from Ryan Pedley with 34, Lewis Cordes on 23 not out and a quickfire 45 from Alexie Kervezee.

Evenson added: "With Alexie on board, we tend to forget a bout Jayden, but when he plays like he did against Leamington, you realise just how good he is.

"I don't think Alexei has received any firm offers yet since his release from Worcestershire last week.

"I know he's got some games lined up for Derbyshire's second XI, but there's nothing concrete there.

"But with the T20 competition starting up now, I'd have thought Alexei would do an ideal job for somebody."

In the meantime Alexei Kervezee remains in the side to visit Birmingham based side Attock this Saturday.