BROMSGROVE CC First XI skipper Nick Husbands believes his side could have been chasing promotion this season if he had enjoyed better success with the toss.

Husbands, who has won the toss on just four of 18 occasions this season, meaning his team usually bats first, knows his players can chase runs but they have rarely been given the chance.

He said: "It has become a bit of a joke now. But seeing how well we have chased runs this season I think if I had been a bit luckier I am in no doubt we would be in with a shout for promotion going into these last few matches."

Husbands' theory was proved right as his side won a thrilling run chase at Harborne last Monday, following up a home draw against Leamington Spa last Saturday.

On Monday, Husbands again lost the toss but Harborne batted first and entertained. Stevens (32) played some aggressive strokes before being one of two wickets in the same over for the captain.

Pakistan test player Nayyer then joined Farrow and the pair scored freely around the wicket. Nayyer (101) and Farrow (82) remained not out as they posted a tricky 260 from 55 overs.

Bromsgrove got off to a poor start in reply when Davies went in the fifth over. Liddell (32) played some powerful shots but when he was out with score at 57-2, the game looked to be slipping away.

Paul Duffy joined Simon Keyte at the crease and the pair dominated the bowlers straight away. Keyte played some outstanding shots to the boundary while Duffy kept the score board ticking over.

Keyte brought up his first league century and raced to 120. Duffy went into the last over six runs short of his century with one run needed for victory.

He smashed it to the boundary to finish with an unbeaten 98. The pair put on 203 for the third wicket as Bromsgrove ran out victors by eight wickets.

Husbands added: "It was an amazing run chase timed to perfection, both players have been in good form this year and deserve all the credit for an outstanding win. It was Simon's first league century so I was especially pleased for him."

Last Saturday's game saw Bromsgrove bat first against promotion outsiders Leamington Spa.

Nick Davies (38), Simon Keyte (32) and Kish Patel all made good contributions and the lower order provided late resistance to post a competitive 175-9.

In reply, Leamington's opener Hawkes raced to 74 before Patel and Paul Husbands picked up three wickets apiece in six overs.

The final wicket stayed intact as the innings closed at 153-9.