HAGLEY had a frustrating Saturday but stay top of Division Two after heavy rain rendered their game at Netherton unplayable.

There was action for the second XI who dropped to fifth in Division One after only managing a losing draw against leaders Pedmore.

An hours delay saw the game reduced to 42 overs per side. Hagley won the toss and unsurprisingly choose to bowl, with skipper James Russell (5-58) opening the attack and to devastating effect.

With Jack Baker (1-85) providing valuable support at the other end, the league leaders were soon reeling at 96-6.

However, once Russell and Baker had completed their overs the batting duo of Ian Hipkiss (130 not out) and Andy Denton (74) forged a superb partnership which demonstrated why Pedmore are league leaders.

Hipkiss in particular played some fabulous shots and showed his class as Pedmore amassed 299-7.

Hagley’s reply began steadily but surely as Darren Andrews (22) and Rob Hancock (48) made use of the drying wicket, before a fiery spell from Ben Taylor (3-59) finally brought about a wicket as Andrews was trapped leg before.

Several Hagley players got starts but none managed to go on and the run rate was never fast enough. Hagley finished on 197-7 from their 42 overs in a disappointing display.

Hagley travel to bottom of the league Pershore next week.

The thirds could only manage a winning draw in Division Nine against Pedmore but retain their promotion spot.