BROMSGROVE Second XI were left to reflect on what might have been as they missed out on promotion from Division Two West with a four-wicket defeat at Shifnal on Saturday.

Both teams had a chance of promotion if first place Wellington came unstuck at Redditch.

In need of the win, Shifnal won the toss and elected to field. In a strong but drying wind, 'Grove started their innings full of hope with the strongest batting line-up of the season.

Shifnal had other ideas, starting the game full of purpose. Immediately, Northward bowled opener Dave Keyte, and five overs later repeated the act to remove Julian Court.

This brought together the season's top performers, Mike Bennison and Mark Bilbrough, with the Boars in dire straits at 11 for 2. These two began to steady the ship, picking up singles with some good running and with the wicket drying out, batting became less difficult.

As 'Grove began to step on the gas, a mix-up caused Bennison (27) to be run out. Bilbrough fell to a well judged caught and bowled by skipper Shelly two overs later for 29.

Again 'Grove had to rebuild from 85 for 4. Duffy and Dan Keyte kept the scoreboard ticking without looking convincing before falling to good catches.

Richard Hope and the pugnacious Lee Mortlock then set about the bowling with a passion, smashing the ball to all corners of the ground.

At this point, Shifnal called upon England Ladies under-19 player Gill Richards to stem the flow with her left arm orthodox spin. This marginally slowed the rate and dented Lee Mortlock's helmet!

Bromsgrove did well to finish on 181 for 9 from their 50 overs, Mortlock undefeated with a fine 40. On a good wicket, the Bromsgrove total was 40 runs short of a competitive target. Shifnal began their reply steadily, determined not to lose early wickets.

Lawton was at his menacing best, taking full advantage of the wind at his back. The crucial factor was bowling into the wind. Bilbrough was unable to find his rhythm and proved expensive, though he did make the first breakthrough. He gave way to Ian Walker, while Mortlock replaced Lawton after his fine spell.

A middle order collapse initiated by top wicket taker Walker gave 'Grove some hope with Shifnal 84 for 4 from 25 overs.

Dawes and Scurr showed their metal, steadying Shifnal's nerves as they waited patiently for the bad ball, and dispatched it mercilessly.

Walker continued to wheel away into the wind, trapping Scurr lbw. Bromsgrove then turned to partnership breaker Thurbon for inspiration.

The wicket eventually came, Bilbrough throwing down the stumps to run out Dawes (43).

But Shifnal were within sight of victory and duly achieved their target without further mishap.

Walker was again the best of the bowlers, completing a fine spell into the wind of 3 for 53 from 16 overs.

Other results went in their favour, so Shifnal were promoted to leave Bromgrove to reflect on a successful but ultimately fruitless season.