Dorridge win has given us confidence - Cox (From Dudley News)

Dorridge win has given us confidence - Cox

5:25pm Tuesday 14th August 2012 in Sport

DAN Cox says victory against Dorridge has given under-pressure Old Hill renewed confidence.

The relegation-threatened Haden Hill Park outfit put themselves back within striking distance of safety in Division One thanks to a 43 run win last Saturday.

It was just their second victory of the season and skipper Cox knows more big efforts over the closing six games, starting with this weekend’s trip to Wombourne, if they are to escape danger.

He said: “Had we not won the game on Saturday I think it would have been tough for us.

“We needed it just to stay in touch but now we’ve got the confidence to go forward.

“Dorridge are a decent side but we showed we have what it takes to compete with them and beat them.”

Cox will not know until Friday at the earliest whether Worcestershire’s Jack Shantry will be available for the Wombourne trip.

The all-rounder bagged a golden duck in the hosts total of 216-6 but then took 5-30 to rip through Dorridge’s lower order, as the visitors were bowled out for 173. Shantry is playing for the county second XI in Durham this week and Cox admits his availability will not be known until the last minute.

He said: “The second spell of bowling for Jack when he took the five wickets was one of the best I have seen for a long time.

“It would be massive for us if he is available.

“We’ve still got to play the teams around us over the last few games.

“I think if we win more than half we should be there or thereabouts in terms of safety.”