EXPERIENCED batsman Matt Dallaway could miss Barnt Green's difficult cup ties this weekend.

Dallaway is nursing an ankle injury and could miss the season's opening weekend.

His absence would be a blow as Barnt Green begin their defence of the Graham Williamson Trophy away at Moseley on Saturday.

They then go to Cheshire side Alsager in the Knockout Cup's first round on Sunday.

New captain Richard Illingworth urged his side to make a strong start to the season.

He said: "It may sound like a cliche but there are no easy games even at the start of the season.

"We've won the trophy for the last two years, so the law of averages suggest that we may not win it again."

Green go into this weekend's matches with little actual match practice under their belts after a friendly against Alvechurch was cancelled on Saturday.

Richard Wilkinson and James Watkins also miss the first few matches because of commitments at university.

Illingworth is eager to get started after replacing Lyndon Jones as captain.

He said: "I've no nerves. I'm looking forward to the season.

"We played very well this season and have set ourselves high standards to live up to."

The captain is also relieved to see that Barnt Green's first few competitive matches are away from Cherry Hill Road, which is suffering because of the damp weather.

He said: "It's a blessing in disguise that most of our early matches are away as the pitch is very boggy."

Barnt Green start the Birmingham and District League Premier Division on May 7 at home to Old Hill.