BARNT Green Cricket Club captain Lyndon Jones pointed to several factors for his side's poor start to the Birmingham Premier League Premier Division season.

The Cherry Hill Road outfit have lost their first three games of the season and are slumped at the foot of the table. Their latest defeat came at home to Old Hill on Saturday.

But, just like last year, Jones inisists his men are having a slow start to the season.

He said: "Saturday was the best we've played so far to be honest but the toss decided it in the end. We messed up at important times in the match and didn't bowl as well as we could.

"Our batting hasn't clicked yet but it's just a case of being patient."

Despite knocks from Richard Hall (45), Worcestershire's Nick Boulton (36) and Matt Dallaway (35 not out), Barnt Green were bowled out for 176 as Old Hill won by three wickets.

Riaz Sheikh took six for 36 for the visitors.

l Don't miss the ECB Trophy clash between Wales and the Worcestershire Cricket Board at Barnt Green's Cherry Hill Road ground this Sunday (12 noon start).