ASTWOOD Bank suffered a four wicket reverse to Streetly in Birmingham League Division Three after producing a below par performance in the field.

Sam Thomas struck a splendid 88 and found support from Tom Harris who hit a further 47 as the Bank posted a total of 242 for nine from their 55 overs.

But Streetly strolled home in reply to reach a winning 246 for six with 3.4 overs to spare, Imran Qadir spearheading the response with 67.

Bank skipper Steve Adshead admitted: "It wasn't one of our better fielding performances. It's the first time in five games that we've had to spend more than 30 overs in the field and I think some of the players found it tough at times.

"We were second in the table two weeks ago, but following an abandoned game and then this defeat, we now find ourselves in eighth place - but we're still only 20 points off top spot.

"There appears to be no outstanding side in this division this season."

The Bank bid to bounce straight back this Saturday when they entertain Brewood.

Attention then turns to the National Village Knockout competition on Sunday when the Bank play hosts to fellow Birmingham League Division Three side Millford Hall from Stafford (1pm).

Both games coincide with a beer festival taking place at the club over the weekend and the Bank are keeping their fingers crossed for a bumper crowd.

Steve Adshead added: "We will be as strong as we possibly can against Millford Hall as both side will be playing for a place in the last 16 of the competition."