AS the predicted weekend down pour duly arrived in the town, highly placed Bromsgrove Seconds travelled north to Pelsall Seconds, eager to play the game.

Remarkably, the game got underway only 30 minutes late, reduced to 46 overs per side.

On a wet and grassy wicket, Bromsgrove lost the toss and batted.

The big outfield, coupled with the long grass, was always going to make this a low scoring game.

A poor start by 'Grove with Keyte (snr), Bilborough and Bennison all failing to make double figures, which reduced those expectations still further.

At 15 for three from 12 overs, and top scorer Court on first team duty, 'Grove looked to be staring into the abyss.

But Bromsgrove have more depth this year, and Tom Hope took his chance with both hands.

Playing patiently initially, then more forcefully as the innings developed, he shepherded Bromsgrove to 129 before falling for an excellent 67.

Useful contributions from brother Richard Hope, and Dan Keyte enabled the Boars to reach 131 for nine from the allotted 46 overs.

The threatening rain eventually arrived, reducing the Pelsall innings to 32 overs. Bromsgrove, needing a tight start to maximize the pressure on Pelsall, got exactly that, with fine opening spells from Bilborough and Paul Husbands.

Supported by good ground fielding and catching, the home team struggled to reach 25 for three from the first 14 overs, when rain interrupted play once more.

This second stoppage reduced Pelsall's innings to 26 overs.

With nothing to lose, and everything to gain from a modified winning draw total of just 75, Pelsall rejoined battle with more intent.

The introduction of Walker brought about two further wickets, but with Hook (13), and Evans (25) taking their chances, and the constant rain making it difficult for the bowlers, Pelsall achieved the winning draw total, ending at 79 for seven in return.

Paul Husbands was again the pick of the bowlers, finishing with three for 33 from his 13 overs.

A worthy effort from 'Grove, being undone by the vagaries of weather and the scoring system, without ever looking in danger of losing.

This Saturday sees the Boars on the road again to Lichfield.