WES Griffiths admits Halesowen CC missed an opportunity as they took a losing game at Cannock last Saturday.

The match at Chase Park was the only one in Birmingham League Division Two to beat the weather but Hales were left disappointed after what Griffiths accepts was a below-par performance.

Despite winning the toss and putting the hosts into bat in conditions favourable to the bowlers, Hales could only restrict Cannock to 215-4 from 55 overs and then reached 174-8 in their reply.

Griffiths said: “The first thing I would say is we definitely went into the game under-cooked.

“It’s been difficult to get any practice in and our last friendly was rained off.

“But I don’t want to shy away from the fact we did not perform anywhere near our best.

“We didn’t apply ourselves particularly well. We weren’t ruthless enough with the ball and it’s disappointing because that’s an area where we have strengthened.”

Adam Benton was the star of the show for Cannock, striking an unbeaten 92 to anchor the home side’s innings. Kester Moseley top scored for Hales with an impressive 62 while Griffiths himself hit 31.

Hales make their bow at Seth Somers Park this Saturday when the host Attock, a side who were relegated from Division One last season.

Griffiths is expecting a stern test but believes the fact his side saw action last weekend, while the visitors were stuck in the pavilion, will prove an advantage.

He added: “We are expecting Attock to be strong this season and it will be a big challenge.

“I think the fact we played last Saturday is in our favour. We may have only picked up five points but I would rather pick up five points playing than not playing.

“It will have got rid of some of the rustiness.

“But there is definite room for improvement.”

Old Hill’s Division One game at Shifnal was abandoned without a ball being bowled. Skipper Dan Cox will be hoping for better weather this Saturday when his side host Ombersley.