Willow Cuts earned an emphatic victory over Somerset Bridge in the One First Division last weekend to strengthen their promotion push.

Cuts, fourth going into last weekend, beat Bridge by ten wickets to climb up to second in the table.

Dwight Basden hopes the team can carry the momentum into the remaining matches, including two against Devonshire Recreation Club and PHC this weekend. Two wins should propel them into first place as leaders Flatts, who play Bridge on Saturday, have a bye the next day.

“We went into the Bridge game knowing we had to take care of them in order to get back into our stride,” Basden said.

Basden, a former captain, credits coach Rodney Fubler and assistant Reggie Tucker for helping to turn things around. They also have batsmen Deunte Darrell back from England.

Captain Kamal Bashir played an all-round role along with Kwasi James as they took wickets and scored useful runs against Bridge. The pair opened the batting and bowling, and shared in an unbroken opening stand of 133. James scored 57 not out and Bashir 43 not out.

“We rely heavily on Kwasi, not just in the bowling department but the batting as well,” Basden said.

“With Kamal, this is his second year in charge after I stepped down to groom somebody as captain, the same way Dexter [Basden] did it for me. Dexter has also been around, doing a lot of work behind the scenes.”

Basden added: “The good run is due to coach Rodney and Reggie Tucker, our player-assistant coach, who believe in us. Since he’s come on board Reggie’s brought nothing but positivity to our game. He’s really trying to implement some positive stuff to our cricket.

“Behaviour is the most important thing that we have to work on, the respect for not just our team-mates but the umpires and the opposition as well. Reggie has a lot of experience and a lot to offer us.

“He’s come back to bring his experience from the national team to his childhood club. It’s been a blessing, just his presence has helped us go over the top. He’s played about four matches this season.”

Cuts’ two losses this season were against Warwick Workmen’s Club and Flatts, who they will meet on July 22.

“We’re definitely looking for promotion, that’s our No 1 aim,” Basden stressed.