STUDLEY captain Mark Lewis was happy after his side started the Birmingham and District Premier season with a draw.

The weakened visitors were on course for 200 plus after stand-in wicketkeeper Simon Stamenkovic hit 76 and Stuart Harris 33.

But with Studley finishing 174 all out after 51 overs they were unable to claim the final wicket as a strong Water Orton side finished 164/9.

"It was disappointing not to get the final wicket but they are a strong side who will be up there at the end of the season," said Lewis.

"We knew it would be a tough match and we arrived to find they had added players with Premier Division experience.

"With us under-strength I thought we might be rolled over but the team played magnificently and I would have settled for a draw before the match."

Studley entertain bogey side Hampton-in-Arden on Saturday (1pm start) in their first home game.

But Lewis can call upon the services of overseas star Brandon Miller at the weekend after the South African quickie jetted in from his homeland.

Wicketkeeper Adie Hunt is still out through work commitments so Stamenkovic is set to continue behind the stumps.