STUDLEY skipper Mark Edwards remained bullish about his side's promotion chances despite Saturday's losing draw against Shifnal.

A seven-point return saw the early leaders drop to sixth but Edwards said he was happy enough with the weekend's work after being forced to field a weakened side.

"We had a few players out on Saturday so I think we did OK to get a losing draw," he said.

Holidaying vice-captain Richard Gregory was absent on Saturday and the continued absence of Simon Stamenkovic with a broken finger affected the hosts' performance with the bat. The problem was compounded with bowler Stuart Harris - literally - hamstrung by injury.

Edwards hopes to have big-hitting Stamenkovic back for Saturday's trip to pace-setting Pelsall (1pm start).