UNDER strength Bromsgrove's preparations for the season were dealt a blow as they crashed out of the National Knockout Cup on Sunday.

A Boars side containing four first team regulars produced an error-strewn display at Leicester Ivanhoe.

This was the first time in nine-years that Bromsgrove had exited the competition at the first hurdle.

Captain Nick Davies was left ruing poor performances with the ball and fielding.

Bromsgrove conceded 28 wides and Leicester batsmen were dropped on five occasions.

Davies said: "We could have won the game had we been sharper.

"There were too many errors and we always gave Leicester the advantage."

New signing Keiron Dosanjh produced a positive performance by taking three wickets, as Ivanhoe recorded a total of 212.

The captain (28) and Julian Court (34) gave Bromsgrove a bright reply with a half-century opening stand.

Once the Boars' openers were dismissed only Phil Hamilton (25 not out) made an impact with the bat.

Rookie batsman Tom Green also proved to be stubborn but Bromsgrove could only make 175-7 in their 45 overs.

Davies said: "The National Knockout has always been a competition we've enjoyed playing in and it's a shame that we did not go further.

"It was a very different side from our normal first team but I thought some of the less experienced players like Tom (Green) did well."

Bromsgrove had already suffered defeat on Saturday when the same under strength side proved to be no match for West Midlands Police in a one-sided friendly match.

Only Davies (25) and John Duffy (19) made any impact with the bat but the order failed to cope with spinner Dean Smith and Steve Ecclestone, as Police bowled Bromsgrove out for 100.

The Boars' bowlers though did their best to dismiss the Police.

Bromsgrove lost Watson early on, but Walker and Williams stoodfast until Davies took three wickets in an over to turn the tide.

Will Lake grabbed a four-wicket haul but the Police held onto win by two wickets.

* Davies is hoping to have almost a full strength first team squad for Bromsgrove's final friendly fixtures, before the Birmingham and District League Division One starts on May 7.

Bromsgrove take on Blossomfield on Saturday and Beacon on Sunday (both games 1.30pm start).

Davies said: "I should have everyone back for Sunday's game as that will be a tough match."