BROMSGROVE Cricket Club First XI passed their first promotion test with flying colours last Saturday with a winning draw against Birmingham and District division one table toppers West Bromwich Dartmouth.

The Boars posted 228-6 from their 55 overs and restricted their St Godwald's Road visitors to 147-9 to move themselves into third place, just six points behind Dartmouth.

And captain Nick Husbands is confident this is the season for his side to make their push for the premier division.

He said: "The league is not as strong as it's been and if you don't take that chance the league could be really strong next year.

"It's there for the taking. The only people who can beat us this year is ourselves."

West Bromwich skipper Matt Rawnsley won the toss and put the Boars in on a good batting track.

Fearsome bowling from Jamaican Phillips saw Zimbabwean opener Ross Liddell retire hurt, but not before he had delivered a series of boundaries.

Nick Davies soon got into his stride, putting on 70 with Duffy to take the score to 116 for the first wicket.

Rawnsley bowled Duffy and Jamie Campbell (2) provided Phillips with his only wicket. Davies struck regular boundaries, including a six off Rawnsley, before being dismissed for an excellent 75.

Liddell (45) returned before falling to ex-Worcestershire spinner Phillips.

This triggered a mini collapse that saw the Boars lose three wickets for only eight runs, but Julian Court (26 not out) and Mark Evenson (16no) added 48 for the sixth wicket to help the hosts post 228-6.

Jon Farrow and Husbands picked up the wickets of Sohail (0) and Poonia (6) in reply. Rawnsley (28) was bowled by Kish Patel, who also took the wicket of Sajjad (9).

Farrow came back and removed Breakspear (13) and Husbands (4-38) returned to bowl Herdman (32) but that partnership had ruined the Boars chance of victory.

With two overs remaining, Farrow had Burgoyne caught and bowled and Phillips followed.