Knowle and Dorridge 152-2 Barnt Green 0-0

Match abandoned because of rain

BARNT Green captain Richard Illingworth admitted both sides had reasons to be happy after Saturday's potential clash of title chasers against Knowle and Dorridge was abandoned.

The game, which had swung the Warwickshire side's way early on, had been tipped as an early test so see which side could emerge as title contenders in the Birmingham and District League Premier Division.

Yet Illingworth believes both teams would have been pleased with the way it went.

He said: "It's better that a game against one of our rivals - rather than a weaker side - had to be cut short.

"While Knowle were in charge early on it would have been interesting to see what our batsmen could have done, so Knowle will be pleased we didn't get a chance to bat."

On a small ground with a wicket suited to batsmen it had been the home side who had the early impetus.

Green were left to rue a dropped catch on Knowle lynchpin Danny Dalton - who punished the mistake by hitting 57 not out.

The captain did his best to keep Barnt Green in the running by dismissing Lee Marland, while Roger Sillence caught McClaren off Gareth Williams' delivery.

Illingworth said: "Our seamers did okay but they didn't have a lot of luck.

"The ground has a small boundary, so even though Knowle were doing well, I still think we could have matched their score."

Barnt Green may be without all-rounder Sillence for the Bank Holiday weekend's games - if Gloucestershire bowler Jon Lewis is called up for England's first test against Bangladesh tomorrow (May 26).

If Lewis is called up then Sillence, on loan from Gloucestershire, could be called back.

This may force Illingworth into a change of tactics with the bowlers.

With David Wigley out with a broken knuckle and Richard Wilkinson still at Loughborough University the captain may go for three spinners for Saturday's match against Moseley at home and Monday's game at Coventry and North Warwickshire.

Illingworth though is set to welcome back batsmen Paul Bedford and Kieran Rees.

* Green progressed into the next regional round of the National Knockout Cup after Wellington forfeited Sunday's game.

Barnt Green will meet the winners of Himley and Walsall, which is set to be played on Sunday.

Illingworth said: "I think Wellington were struggling to get a side together.

"On paper this looked like a tough game, but I don't think Wellington were able to field a side as strong as their Saturday one."