SKIPPER Stuart Wedge was philosophical after Himley bowed out of the Graham Williamson Trophy in round one.

The Stourbridge Road side were beaten by 35 runs in their clash with reigning Birmingham Premier League champions Barnt Green.

Wedge admits some players were a little rusty in the first competitive outing of the season.

He said: “It was effectively our second practice on grass and we probably weren’t at full intensity for the full 40 overs.

“We definitely had a couple of quiet periods. They made a strong start and though we came back into it, they got away in the end.”

A knock of 66 from 16-year-old Ed Pollock helped Barnt Green post a total of 177 though Himley were boosted by encouraging bowling performances from Mike Jones (4-23) and Andy Day (3-27).

In reply, Himley were always fighting a losing battle after losing four quick wickets and not even a 73 from captain Wedge could swing the momentum.

He said: “The early wickets meant we were never really in the run chase.

“They had probably got 40 more runs than they should have and once we were on the back foot it was always going to be tough.

“Mike got plenty of turn which was encouraging and Andy bowled well at what was a difficult stage of the game.”

Himley now drop into the Graham Williamson Plate where they host Smethwick on Saturday.

n Netherton host newly-promoted Enville on Saturday in their Worcestershire League Division Two curtain-raiser.