NAQAASH Tahir was the pick of the bowlers as Old Hill’s match at Pelsall only lasted 33 overs before being abandoned.

Regardless of the result, the club’s promotion hopes from Birmingham League Division Three were confirmed as over last week, despite a three run victory away at Stratford-upon-Avon.

Heading to Pelsall on Saturday, the visitors lost the toss and were sent out into the field as Waqar Ahmad (19) and wicket keeper Tom Wright (12) came out to bat.

But Old Hill got off to a good start, dispatching Ahmad, his replacement Jake Lee (1), and his replacement Todd Henderson (0) for the loss of just a single run.

Keith Moody (23) brought a bit of stability to the home side’s performance with the bat, before Wright was bowled by Old Hill’s Zahid Kafiat (1-18) with the home side on 57 for 4.

Paul Grainger (29), who was eventually run out by Harry Baddams, and Dan Wale (42) added some late runs to put Pelsall on 175 for 7, before the game was eventually abandoned without Old Hill getting a chance with the bat.

As well as Tahir (3-48), Shafiq Ahmed (2-27) shone with the ball in his hand to reduce the home side’s total.

The result gave Old Hill eight points towards the league standings, with the side fifth in the table heading into their final game of the season at home to Redditch – who need eight points to avoid the drop – on Saturday (noon start).