LOCAL cricket teams endured a frustrating start to the cricket season as April showers forced a wash-out.

Astwood Banks’ hopes of making a winning start in the Birmingham and District League Division Three came to an end as not a ball was bowled in anger against Milford Hall.

In Worcestershire League Division One, Redditch had reached 91-1 against Evesham when the match was abandoned. Feckenham did manage to play but started their Division Two campaign with a defeat to newly merged Stourbridge Social/Oldwinford.

Dan Bloomer top scored with 56 runs as Feckenham were bowled out for 157, while their Black Country opponents made 158-4 in reply. Tom Coulson took 2-15 for the Millers.

In Division Three, Alvechurch had got to 158-6 before the rain ended their clash against Aveley. Meanwhile in Warwickshire League Division One, Studley endured a frustrating start as their home clash against Coleshill was rained off.

Fixtures - Birmingham and District League Division Three 1st XI: Fordhouses v Astwood Bank (noon start).

Worcestershire League Division One 1st XI: Hagley v Redditch (1pm start).

Division Two 1st XI: Feckenham v Rushwick (1pm start).

Division Three 1st XI: Avoncroft v Alvechurch (1pm start).

Warwickshire League Division One 1st XI: Standard v Studley (1pm start).

Cotswold Hills League Division One 1st XI: Alcester v Ashton under Hill (1.30pm start).