Friday, September 4th, 2015

Bumpy Targets Two Wins In Battle To Stay In Division One

Bumpy Targets Two Wins In Battle To Stay In Division One

Worcestershire Director of Cricket Steve Rhodes is targeting two wins out of two from the final two games against Durham and Middlesex in the battle for Division One survival in the LV = County Championship and said: "If we can do that, we've got a great chance."

But Rhodes admits his side have to "learn from our mistakes" during the innings and 63 run defeat by Sussex at New Road today.

A superb hundred from Joe Clarke was the highlight from the home side who were bowled out for 237 in their second innings.

Rhodes said: "Joe Clarke played magnificently. With wickets falling around you, to play as well as he did in not easy conditions, is testament to what he is, a fine young player and to get his maiden first class hundred in those conditions is excellent.

"It is just a shame we can't celebrate something like a win with him but he fought all the way, showed great fighting qualities, a lot of skill and a lot of batting nous for a lad so young.

"We are very pleased with Joe and long may that continue."

Rhodes added: "You look at the disciplines and we were out-batted. Luke Wright had a fine innings but sadly apart from Joe, we were out-batted as a group.

"We were out-bowled. I thought Chris Jordan was marvellous in this game. I thought his bowling was excellent.

"We were out-fielded. They took some great catches again. If you look at possibly some of the dropped catches we did, then it cost us dearly.

"We've got no excuses, we were out-batted, bowled and fielded."

As regards the conclusion of the campaign, Rhodes said: "I know this might strange but we are going for two wins. People might think 'what planet is he on'.

"It is very simple to us. We know where we stand. If we win both our games, we've got a great chance (of staying up).

"We are going to Durham where it is a result pitch generally. If we can play better than the opposition, then we will win that game.

"There is no reason to think we can't beat them up there.

"Then Middlesex at home, if it comes down to it, then why not? I can see us having a good game there as well.

"The important thing for us is to learn from the mistakes of this match and to work on that in practice, and take the improvement you can make into the match at Durham."