REDDITCH Entaco's eagerly awaited local derby game against Feckenham in Worcester County League Division One didn't last any longer than five overs before play was abandoned on Saturday.

By that stage, Redditch had reached 27 without loss, Gregg Chinn scoring 17 not out while opening partner Rizwan Chaudhry had scored 7 not out.

Redditch skipper Russell Southwick said: "We did everything to try and get the game on but the umpires didn't want to risk play."

Despite the abandoned game, Southwick remains upbeat about Redditch's prospects this season and said: "Haris Ali Mohammed and Ghulam Moyhuddin have returned to us after playing in the Birmingham League last season.

"Haris is a very promising off-spinner while Ghulamn has impressed with both bat and ball.

"In addition New Zealand wicketkeeper Brandon Weal has looked extremely tidy behind the stumps and has also started well with the bat. It all looks very positive."

Redditch travel to Stourbridge side Pedmore this Saturday while Feckenham entertain Stourport.