Robinson: "We are certainly not perfect but we have good players who want to improve"

Mark Robinson has saluted the "skill and character" of his Warwickshire team ahead of next week's momentous final game of the season, at home to Somerset.

The Bears will face the westcountrymen knowing that a strong performance could bring the title to Edgbaston for the eighth time.

That would be a stunning achievement in a season from which few of their supporters expected a sustained challenge and after a campaign which has brought its share of complications from Covid and injuries.

But, however the great 2021 race finally evolves, first team coach Robinson is full of credit for captain Will Rhodes and his squad - not least for their superb win at Yorkshire last week to power back into the race after a home defeat to Hampshire.

"The Hampshire game was a tough one," he said. "We know we had opportunities to put that game to bed but weren't able to take them so that was disappointing.

"As a coach, after a game like that you don't want to bring a hangover into the next one, and especially such an important game at Leeds, so to shake off that disappointment and them losing Rob Yates the day before the game and Danny Briggs the day of the game was testament to the character of the team.

Robinson: "We are certainly not perfect but we have good players who want to improve" - Image 2

"You start off a season with the ambition of winning trophies and getting to finals and to be still alive going into the last game in the championship is great for the club. All possibilities are open which is all you ever want."

A fascinating week awaits - with a potentially glorious conclusion to Robinson's first season as Bears first team coach.

"I have learned a lot about the club and the players in the last six months," he said. "We know we are a work in progress and we are trying to change some of the mentality around the place - there are areas we still need to change and get better at. We are certainly not perfect but we have good players who want to improve and we have showed a lot character this year and that's the biggest thing."