STOURBRIDGE commence their Birmingham League Division Two campaign with a trip to Penkridge on Saturday.

The Ambelcote side will be missing their St Lucian overseas player Tarryck Gabriel who doesn't arrive in Stourbridge until the following week.

But Stourbridge skipper Matt Bradley remains confident his side can make a confident start and said: "We're much better placed then last season and we'll look to solidify our position."

Stourbridge warmed up with a friendly fixture at Division One side Smethwick before losing out in the opening stage of the National Clubs Knockout to powerful Premier Division outfit Barnt Green.

Stourbridge posted a total of 215 for four from their allotted 45 overs with Matt Bradley leading from the front with 58.

Josh Banks and James Winders both added 38 while highly rated 15 year old Pedmore Technical College prospect Zain Ul Hassan added 34.

But they couldn't prevent Barnt Green from cantering home on 216 for three in the 41st over after Matt Lamb made 80.

Matt Bradley added: "We haven't finalised our line-up at Penkridge yet but Alex Bingham will open the batting while Jitesh Patel, Umar Khalid and Junead Afsal are all in the line to take the new ball."

Stourbridge stage first team nets every Wednesday evening at the War Memorial Ground from 6-30pm and would welcome anyone who would like to play at Birmingham League level.