Birmingham face Gloucester on Sunday, in their most important fixture in a decade.  Ian Ferguson, Sasha Grokhotov and Edward Lynn have a tough agenda, against the unbeaten Midland League leaders, at the Colebridge Club, Shirley, (2.30pm).  “We need a win to either gain or tie the title and have a great chance”, insists captain Ferguson.  “Home advantage is crucial, it just needs one big effort from us.  It can be a very intimidating atmosphere at Colebridge, with the spectators not far from the table, so with a full house expected, it could just tip the balance for us. I can not speak highly enough of Sasha, Edward and Navinder (Matharu), this season, as they have all made specific improvements to their games.  They are not ranked at the very top in the city, but have earned their places by enthusiasm and skill.”  Gloucester field their strongest side, in the experienced Bill Dawe and British League duo Darren Griffin and Dan Kolesnik.  They gained a crucial 6-4 victory over current champions Leamington last Sunday, which means a 5-5 draw will give them the title.

 
Baverstock ‘B’ and Streetly ‘C’ meet in the Steve Smith Cup final, again at the Colebridge club tomorrow (7.30pm).

 
Birmingham champions Kingshurst Bribar ‘A’, play against the Presidents Select Side, at the Ivy Leaf Club, on Tuesday April 29 (7.30pm), in the Maurice Goldstein Cup final.  President Brian Lloyd has chosen his team from the Midland League squad, so a cracking fixture is expected against the likes of Michael Browne and co.

April 23rd