Oswestry's Birmingham League campaign got off to a soggy start when their opening Division One game at Himley was abandoned without a ball being bowled.

Persistent light rain swept across the Black Country for much of the afternoon, with only Kidderminster and county rivals Shifnal beating the weather and collecting maximum points.

Skipper Robbie Clarke was frustrated by events, but admitted that play was never likely. He said: "It was raining when we arrived and the skies never improved. It was disappointing not to have been able to get out on the field of play, and carry on from where we left off last week".

Clarke and his newly promoted side are on the road again this weekend, when they travel to Halesowen, who this season are captained by Alexei Kervezee, the former Worcestershire all-rounder who spent 10 years on the New Road staff. The Oswestry Skipper says he is expecting a tough game with Halesowen, who were also promoted last season, particularly now they have been being strengthened by the former Pears opening bat and medium pacer.

The Morda Road men are hoping former India A paceman, Rituraj Singh's visa will be through in time. He is expected to land at Heathrow by Friday. Also, there is serious doubt over hard-hitting batsman, Alex Ramsay who picked up a knee injury while in goal for Caernarvon Town on Friday night.

Oswestry 2nd X1 had better luck with the weather on Saturday, but crashed to a 150-run defeat at the hands of Whitchurch 2's. Eve Jones, Lancashire's new Ladies captain was the star of the Whitchurch Innings, scoring a magnificent unbeaten 118 in a total of 285-3. In so doing, she became the first Women's Centurion at the Stonehouse Oval. Luke Jones batted well for his 60, but when he was finally out, any hope of saving the game finally disappeared.

A young Oswestry Third XI enjoyed a close fought game with the Trysull and Seisdon on Sunday in the Henshall’s County League. Batting first, the visitors scored 177 with Stu Owen (4 - 40) and young Harry Darley (2 – 28) taking the bowling honours for Oswestry. In reply, the home team finished on 117 – 9. Neil Darley was unbeaten on 25.

This Thursday evening (6pm) sees Oswestry at home to Bridgnorth in the Birmingham League Knock Out.