STUDLEY were left cursing the rain after their Warwickshire Premier Division clash at Kings Heath was washed out on Saturday.

The Bees had looked on course to notch up their first win of the season when the clash in Birmingham was abandoned.

Captain Steve Rose won the toss and opted to put their opponents into bat.

Bowler Luke Deeprose was in fine form as he took five wickets as the Birmingham side were kept to 170-9 in 50 overs.

In reply, Studley made a strong reply with Rose (18), Luke Davis (41no) and Brandon Miller (4no) looking good when the heavens opened and they were stranded on 65-1.

Rose said: “I have to say I feel we’ve been desperately unlucky not to win this game.

“Our bowling and fielding was the best I’ve seen since I have been at the club."

“Luke was also in great form when the rain came down."

“I know other local sides were able to play again but the ground was saturated, it was like a river.

“All we can do is make sure that we use the performance as a springboard for the rest of the season.”

Studley go to Bablake Old Boys in the League on Saturday (1pm start).