Himley Cricket Club skipper Greg Wright has thrown down the gauntlet to his under-pressure players to get their season back on track after slipping to the bottom of the Birmingham and District Premier Division.

The Stourbridge Road side are still without a league win this season and last Saturday's disappointing defeat at fellow strugglers Leamington Spa was seen as a real low point.

Bowling first, Himley dismissed the hosts for 148 with Worcestershire fast bowler Chris Whelan claiming 4-37.

In reply, Himley's batting line-up failed to fire and were skittled out for 133 with Stuart Wedge top scoring with 44.

The skipper was shocked with his side's standard of play.

He said: "It was an appalling batting display given the situation.

"To be honest it was just a real lacklustre performance all round and in the end we got what we deserved against a side who we really should be beating.

"No disrespect to Leamington but they are young side who with our ability we should be looking to win against.

"Now we go into the West Bromwich Dartmouth game bottom of the table rather than in mid-table and this has put added pressure on ourselves."

The players have been told in no uncertain terms what is expected of them and that performances like Leamington are not acceptable.

Wright was hoping to see an upturn in fortunes on Bank Holiday Monday but these plans were dashed after their home game against Moseley was abandoned.

He said: "We have had words and we all know what is expected from now on in and I include myself in this.

"It's unfortunate we had to do this because at this level it should not really be necessary.

"The ability of this team has never been in question, it's now just a case of whether we have got the nous and bottle to go out there and win games on a week-to-week basis rather than just here and there.

"I have certainly got faith in this bunch of players and it is now up to them to go and put it right."

Himley will welcome fellow strugglers West Bromwich Dartmouth this Saturday (1pm start).