HALESOWEN’S stumbling start to the season continued at the weekend – and skipper Richard Brooker admitted conditions played their part.

They were beaten by C&R Hawks at Seth Somers Park to increase the pressure on the side looking for a first win of the season.

After they were set 230 to win in 50 overs, the batsmen failed to respond and they were skittled out for a poor 123 in 34 overs – former Worcestershire and England international Kabir Ali took 5-25.

Brooker said: “Bowling first was always going to be tricky as we spent much of the 50 overs with a wet ball which got progressively more difficult for the bowlers to grip.

“By the time the last few overs were bowled the ball was like a bar of soap but we opted to stick with it given it was likely to be the same for both sides.

“In the second half it dried up considerably and their bowlers profited from a surface which then became testing to bat on rather than skidding on due to the constant light drizzle as it had in the first innings.”

The second were well beaten at Kenilworth Wardens as they collapsed to 140 all out.

But there was good news from the third team who notched a fine win to secure third spot in the early standings.

This Saturday the club are in Birmingham League action with the firsts at home to Fordhouses (noon), seconds head to Knowle and Dorridge, thirds at Hanley and the fourth team face Avoncroft at Earls High School (1pm).