IT did not rain and Studley slipped to third at the weekend but Washford Fields skipper Mark Lewis will probably not be too disappointed with developments after his side endured a blank Saturday.

The former leaders were supposed to play Solihull Municipal but were left without a game after the newcomers were expelled from the league.

New leaders Kings Heath beat basement boys Hampton in Arden to pull 12 points clear of Lewis' men, but fellow title hopefuls Water Orton picked up just four points in a four wicket defeat to Moseley Ashfield.

And with Walmley failing to overhaul Studley with a losing draw against Old Edwardians, the village side have the advantage with a game in hand over all their rivals.

In a tense title race, Kings Heath, Water Orton, Moseley, Walmley and Old Eds all have to concede potential points from their Solihull fixture and with Studley having just 13 points to make good, their fate is in their own hands.

The Abbey Stadium Gym has joined Studley's title push by offering free membership to the first team to help them stay ahead of their rivals and captain Mark Lewis is confident.

Studley have matches against Mosley, Water Orton, Kings Heath and Old Eds on the horizon but Lewis' men must first dispose of mid-table Blossomfield at home on Saturday (1pm start).

And the Studley skipper is without honeymooning opening bat Adie Smith and middle order bat John Swanick at the weekend.