Smethwick and Penn battle again
Smethwick and Penn have both pledged to put past differences aside despite admitting their is still 'feeling' between the sides ahead of Saturday's top-of-the-table clash between them.
Smethwick and Penn have both pledged to put past differences aside despite admitting their is still 'feeling' between the sides ahead of Saturday's top-of-the-table clash between them.
Leaders Smethwick host second-placed Penn in arguably the league's game of the day, a year after the division two sides almost came to blows on the field.
Both captains insist their sides will be on their best behaviour after those scenes, which saw Penn wicketkeeper Lee Nightingale and Smethwick's Arif Mahmood square up after alleged 'sledging' from keeper to batsman.
Smethwick captain David Banks said: "I didn't play in that game but I was there and to pretend the incident never happened would be wrong.
"I'm sure there will still be some feeling between the sides, because that's inevitable, but I'm also sure it won't go too far.
"There is 'chat' on the field in every game every week and I'm sure this will be no different.
"Last year things went too far and we have to make sure that doesn't happen again.
"We've played Penn many times over the years and I get on well with their players.
"There has only ever been one problem, which was last year, so I'm sure this match will be fine."
Penn's Nightingale was banned for six matches for his part in last year's incident but captain Richard Bradford is expecting no further problems.
He said: "Lee has been quiet all year. There hasn't really been a peep from him. He's still a major part of our side as wicketkeeper and an important batsman.
"I've told him a few times that I thought he was dealt with harshly last year but that's all in the past now.
"I can't speak for Smethwick but from my point of view, last year is a thing of the past.
"There will be some feeling between the sides and Smethwick are a team who are quite noisy and get in your face.
"Iit's up to Nightingale and the rest of our team to ignore it and play good cricket."
With four teams separated by a handful of points at the top of the table, Bradford believes the next two weeks could be crucial for his side.
He said: "We have Smethwick this week and then Ombersley the week after. We know that two wins would put us in an excellent position."
Banks said: "This is a big game for several reasons but I don't think it's a game that will win or lose the league for anyone."
