DAN Cox says it’s time for Old Hill’s players to take responsibility for their performances.

The Haden Hill Park outfit have fallen into the Birmingham League Division One bottom two after a humiliating six-wicket home defeat to Wombourne last Saturday in which they were bowled out for just 98.

Skipper Cox pulled no punches in his assessment and says players need to stop making excuses and start performing.

He said: “It’s no use blaming things like the wicket or the weather.

“We all know the excuses which go around in cricket when things aren’t going well but it’s how you deal with it.

“It’s time we started taking responsibility for our performances.

“That’s the message from me and that’s what we spoke about on Saturday after the game.”

Cox also brushed off suggestions the club’s new-look first XI may be taking time to gel following a winter of comings-and-goings.

He added: “I wouldn’t even bring form into it. There are a number of different variables in cricket but at the end of the day its what you do with the ball and what you do with the bat.

“Everyone in the team has played at this standard of cricket before. We are all capable and it’s time we started showing it.”

Former Old Hill bowler Ed Denham enjoyed a fruitful return, taking 4-23 as the hosts were swept away.

David Hemming also took 4-11, while Dmitri Ratnayake top scored for Old Hill with 29.

Though they took four wickets as Wombourne chased down the total, the hosts never really stood a chance of defending it.

Cox takes his side to Smethwick this Saturday as they look to bounce back, though he admits it won’t be easy.

He said: “They have got a very good top-six with David Banks coming in at seven or eight — he is more than capable of scoring a century on his day.

“It’s another tough test but they are all tough tests. We have to try and give ourselves the best chance of getting something.”