BROMSGROVE CC captain Nick Davies is set to welcome back two batsmen to boost his run-shy side for Saturday's vital clash away at basement team Cannock.

Mark Bagley and Nick Reade are set to come straight into the side to boost the Boar's out of form batting order.

After Saturday's defeat to Water Orton Bromsgrove are in serious danger of slipping into a relegation battle in the Birmingham and District League Division One.

Bromsgrove are ninth in the table and defeat at the hands of the division's basement side would see the St Godwalds based team spiral into a relegation dogfight.

Davies though believes his side can snuff out any short term worries of going down by defeating Cannock.

He said: "We're not thinking about slipping into a relegation battle.

"It's too early even at this stage of the season to be talking about that sort of problem.

"We just have to concentrate on winning the next game."

Bromsgrove's tumble down the table has been caused by a series of poor performances with the bat.

Saturday's defeat was a prime example as they were bowled out for a meagre 110.

Davies said: "The batting this season has not been good enough.

"When you look at our batting averages this season they have been pretty woeful.

"It's about confidence now, the big players have to stop making mistakes and make sure they get some runs."

The captain will be hoping that Bagley, set to make his first team debut after returning from university, can stop the rot.

Nick Reade, back after missing the last two matches because of a holiday, can also get some much needed runs.

Davies said: "Both are capable of getting runs - and we need them right now."

While the batsmen are not playing well the bowlers, lead by Nick Husbands, are in excellent form.

Second team regular Sean Jackson also stepped up to the firsts effortlessly with a fine all-round display.

Husbands said: "Sean played very well and is another option."

The match at Cannock starts at 1pm.

By Peter McKinney