Disappointed Redditch captain Nev Mason saw his side beaten by the weather in their clash with Birmingham League Division Two (West) leaders Smethwick.

Some inspired bowling had the home side reeling until a stubborn last wicket partnership helped repair some of the damage, the torrential rain completing the job.

Mason said: "You always fancy getting a small score so we were disappointed when the rain came. To beat Smethwick would have been a great result as they have not lost a game all season and are clear leaders."

Tight bowling from Tim Piper (0-11) and Dave Apperley (3-41) restricted Smethwick early on and the Black Country side were then sent crashing to 97-9 following the introduction of Robin Biddle (3-41) and Dan Friedrich (4-43).

The last wicket pair added 45 before Apperley wrapped up the innings.

But before Mason's side could take to the field in the hope of inflicting a first defeat of the season on their hosts, the rain intervened leaving Redditch with eight points to Smethwick's five.

Marcus Busfield scored 65 for Redditch 2nds as his side were dismissed for 142. But the target failed to trouble Worcester 2nds who coasted home for a seven wicket win.

Redditch 3rds claimed a winning draw at Moseley 4ths.

A half century from Mike Parnell helped Redditch to a four wicket win over Old Elizabethans in the Worcestershire Sunday League.

Richard Young claimed 4-17 as the home side were dismissed for 153. Redditch reached their target for the loss of six wickets.

Two wickets and a match-winning knock of 77 from Marcus Busfield steered Redditch 2nds to a five run victory over Halesowen.

Visitors Wednesbury are the visitors to Bromsgrove Road on Saturday and Mason is hoping for maximum points from the game.

"We played them at their place and won by seven wickets so we are pretty confident going into the game," the Redditch skipper said.

"We have three or four games now that could make our season. We are batting well and scoring runs so we are looking forward to the next few weeks."

After taking on Wednesbury, Redditch face Stourbridge and Penkridge, two more sides languishing in the bottom four.