UNLUCKY Astwood Bank came within two overs of obtaining a prized victory over Aston Manor before rain brought an untimely halt to their Birmingham League Division Three contest.

By that stage Astwood Bank had piled on the runs to reach a compelling 286 for nine from their full 50 overs.

The Bank then had Aston Manor tottering on 73 for three when rain arrived

after 18 overs.

Bank skipper Steve Adshead couldn't hide his frustration and admitted: "It really hurts because all we needed was just two more overs to register a victory on the Duckworth Lewis System as Aston Manor were miles behind.

"We knew it was going to rain at some point, but there's only so much that you can do to get through the overs. There's no point in bowling the overs really quickly but not doing them right.

"Aston Manor were really slow with their overs and dragged their heels a bit, although they did nothing wrong.

"You'd expect to get through 50 overs in three hours, although you are allowed three hours and 20 minutes to get through them. They took three hours and 19 minutes to complete 49 overs."

Although dismayed about the outcome, Adshead was delighted with his side's performance against an Aston Manor side that included former England player Phil DeFreitas, who is their player-coach.

Astwood Bank's innings was built around two key batting performances with Tom Pedley compiling 72 off 64 balls while Adshead himself struck 83 off 63 balls and said: "It was a really good effort and I was chuffed to bits after being put into bat on a soft, green wicket.

"The fact we then took three top order wickets had really put the knife into them and it's frustrating that we missed out. Another 10 minutes was all it would have taken."

Aswood Bank have a huge weekend ahead when they entertain top of the table Handsworth on Saturday in Birmingham League Division Three, it what will prove the first ever meeting between the clubs.

On Sunday, the Bank make the short trip to Worcestershire side Kempsey for a National Village Knockout contest.