STOURBRIDGE suffered another frustrating day when heavy rain prevented them from claiming a much-needed victory in division two of the Birmingham and District Premier League.

With many of the other games in the division abandoned, a victory could have lifted Stour as high as third from their current position of eighth.

However, with Richard Bradley's side in control against second-from-bottom outfit Coventry and North Warwickshire, the clouds opened up to leave Stour suffering their fifth abandoned match of the season.

Play started an hour late but Bradley won the toss and put the opposition in to bat.

Opening up with the leg spinner Audy Alexander and quickie Ikram Mussadaq, Stour made a dream of a start.

Opener Luke Reeves was trapped lbw by Mussadaq for three, Mathew Clements was caught and bowled by the same bowler for a duck, and number three Mathew Pickering fell to Alexander caught for 10.

Skipper Vernon was Mussadaq’s third victim and second caught and bowled for 15. The catch put Stour in the driving seat but Mussadaq had to go off the field for treatment for the cut on the left hand webbing.

Mussadaq was replaced by Bilal Hassan and Stour continued to prosper. Hassan taking the wickets of Lasiba Chris Ngeope (19) and Tony Bristow (9).

It saw Coventry and North Warwickshire six down for 72 off 25 overs.

However, Bradley's joy was short lived as storm hit in the very next over to live the team frustrated once again.

Stourbridge remains in eighth position on 124 points in the close company of Whitchurch (125), Attock (128) and Eastnor (130).

They will now travel to take on third placed Brewood this Saturday (noon start).