REDDITCH skipper Nev Mason is hopeful of shocking title-favourites Smethwick despite a disappointing reverse at Shifnal on Saturday.

The Bromsgrove Road side lost by nine wickets in a rain-affected match but Mason said his side suffered after losing a crucial toss.

Put into bat, Redditch were soon in trouble, losing the opening pair for 11 runs.

Brian Powell (42) and Dan Fredrick (13) added 47 in 17 overs but the middle order failed to make any impact and only Phil Tongue (27) and Mason (12) showed any batting steel, leaving a poor batting display with 151 all out.

In reply Shifnal had no problem in knocking off the 152 runs needed in just 27 overs.

The Division Two West side will have to face much-fancied Smethwick at home on Saturday (1pm start) without the services of Mason (work commitments) and Tim Piper (holiday).

John Lostitch will take over the captain's duties and has an injury doubt over Geoff Eley.

But Mason said his side could put their poor start behind them.