RICHARD Trotman slammed his batsmen after Thornbury spectacularly lost by two runs, despite bowling Keynsham out for just 121 on Saturday.
Skipper Trotman admitted there were some harsh words said after the West of England Premier Two game, in which Thornbury's batsmen collapsed once again.
He said: "There were a few home truths said in the dressing room after the game which the young lads haven't heard before.
"We've bowled and fielded so well, it's down to the responsibility of the batsmen that we've thrown a game away, and instead of heading towards safety we're in danger of relegation. We took a big step back."
Louis Blackwell (4-17), Trotman (3-27) and John Wormwell (2-31) reduced the home side to 121 all out.
Chris Dent made 60 in Thornbury's reply but Richard Wild (24) was the only other batsman to make double figures.
And Trotman made no excuses. He said: "There were no complaints on the pitch. We did well to restrict them to 121.
"It was poor shot selection, irresponsibility, and they have to learn."
Another concern to Trotman was the 40 extras his side conceded in the field, which accounted for more than a third of Keynsham's low total.
He said: "We've got an aggressive wicket keeper who stands up for the whole game.
"I think I bowled three wides and it cost us 13 runs, so we need to address that.
"It isn't a negative because we're getting the ball to swing, which is also getting us wickets, but we have to control it and the keeper may have to stand back."
Seventh placed Thornbury expect to have Gloucestershire pace bowler Anthony Ireland available when they host second placed Bristol this Saturday, who will include county players of their own in Ian Fisher and Will Rudge.
Trotman isn't too optimistic about his team's hopes against a side who he feels are the best in the league.
He said: "We can't realistically expect to beat the team I expect to be champions.
"We're hugely the underdogs, they've got the best unit we've played against this season and they know they're the best.
"I won't be disappointed if we don't win but I will be disappointed with a poor performance."
On Sunday Thornbury are at home to Knowle in the semi-finals of the Bristol and District 20-over knockout cup (10.30am).
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