LEAGUE leaders Kidderminster were left frustrated by the rain against third-placed Halesowen last Saturday.

The visitors lost their top order after being put into bat on a lively pitch at Seth Somers Park. However, they recovered well to post 205-8 from their 55 overs.

That come thanks to a fine partnership between Connor Smith (63) and Simon Greenall (70).

In reply, chasing a revised target of 206 from 21 overs, the hosts also lost their top three as bowlers Smith and Liam Weston again wasted no time in going on the attack.

The dismissals of Edward Kilbee (4), Kester Moseley (5) and Masharraf Shazad (3) had Hales rocking before Alexei Kervezee's unbeaten 31 helped them recover.

A second rain delay eventually called a halt to proceedings with Hales on 64-4 with five overs remaining.

KCC skipper Neil Pinner said: "We lost some early wickets but then recovered really nicely thanks to Connor and Simon.

"They batted really well together and the wicket got flatter as the game went on.

"We then managed to take some early wickets ourselves and had them under pressure before the rain came.

"We went back out and were still in a good position when the rain came again and called an end to it.

"It was unfortunate because we felt that if we'd have got the game completed then we'd have come out on top.

"The main thing is everyone else was abandoned as well so we haven't lost any ground at the top.

"We'll now look to pick up another win against Wellington this weekend. They are struggling at the moment but will also be fighting to stay up."

KCC remain 30 points in front of second-placed Shifnal ahead of Wellington's visit to Chester Road this Saturday (noon start).

Pinner has no selection issues ahead of the clash and is expecting a good crowd for the club's vice president's day.