HALESOWEN skipper Richard Brooker says a poor start cost his side in their Birmingham League defeat at the hands of Harborne.

And he’s also revealed how he’s counting down the days to getting more players back in the fold and available for selection as they have started the season with a depleted squad.

Halesowen hit 205-8 with George Land taking 3-31 – and the total would have been much worse but for an impressive stand of 61 for the seventh wicket between Hassan Qaumi (51*) and Musharraf Shazad (35).

Harborne had little trouble in reaching their target with four wickets spare and their skipper Andy Lloyd was in fine form with 82.

Booker said: “We were undone by a poor start and at 80-5 we were staring down the barrel.

“However it was good to see Hassan and Musharaf in fine form but 205 on a ground with modest boundaries was always going to be difficult to defend.

“We currently have six bowlers out through, amongst other things injury, work, exams and holidays and hopefully as soon as that sorts itself out we will be more consistent in this crucial first phase of the season ”

The second team picked up their first victory of the season in a tense rain-affected finish at Seth Somers Park.

With a depleted Halesowen bowling attack Harborne clocked up 253 in their 45-overs.

In reply Priyesh Dhoolab (64) and Shoaib Mohammed (59) were the mainstays as the host club overcame the revised target of 169 to win by six wickets.

The win places them third in the table going in this week’s game against Himley.

Captain Richard Cox said: “It seems to be coming together nicely at the moment but there is a long way to go.”

This Saturday sees the first team at home to Stourbridge in local derby action, the seconds go to Himley, thirds are at home to Stourport and fourths travel to Stourport.