REDDITCH skipper Nev Mason has tipped Smethwick to win the league after seeing his side lose by eight wickets to them at the weekend.

He says the unbeaten Birmingham side, who currently sit second by five points, will edge it against Wroxeter because of the size of their squad.

The Bromsgrove Road skipper remained positive after a defeat which saw Redditch slip a place to sixth and said the scorecard was deceptive.

Mason took heart from the performance of a side featuring two teenagers and said Redditch had the potential to be a great side in three years if they can hang on to their youngsters.

Redditch have a slight doubt over Steve Juckes, who suffered a twisted ankle against Smethwick, for the trip to lowly Pelsall on Saturday (1pm start), a match Mason says they have to win after two consecutive defeats.