STUART Wedge says Himley will take a moral victory from their frustrating draw with league leaders Walsall.

The much-anticipated showdown between the Birmingham League Premier Division’s top-two was yet another game to be ruined by the weather as play was abandoned with the visitors on the ropes.

Chasing Himley’s total of 172-7, Walsall had slumped to 64-4 with opener Jack Manuel unable to bat after dislocating his shoulder.

But the subsequent abandonment meant they maintained their 30-point advantage at the top and spelled frustration for the hosts.

Skipper Wedge said: “It was going very nicely for us when the rain came.

“We played fantastically well and dug ourselves out of a bit of a hole when batting.

“They’ve chased down a few totals this season and would have definitely fancied their chances.

“But it looked like things were going to end in our favour before the rain arrived.

“Momentum was definitely going our way. I think we can definitely take a moral victory and it should be great for our confidence heading into the rest of the season.”

A fantastic 86 not out from Greg Wright proved the anchor of Himley’s innings after a flurry of wickets had seen them slump from 40-0 to 69-5.

Supported by Jagbhir Dhillon (8 not out), he accelerated in the closing overs to help Himley post a competitive score.

With Manuel out of action, Nick Harrison had removed Walsall’s dangerous overseas star Christiaan Jonker for 10 early in their reply.

Himley continue their campaign when they host Kidderminster Victoria this Saturday.

Wedge added: “It was a superb innings from Wrighty, he really held the side together and gave us the belief we could go on.

“I think we ended up scoring about 50 off the final five overs which would have really dented their confidence and gave us the momentum.”

He added: “Kidderminster are one of a few sides bunched closely behind us and will make things tough.

“They are very strong batting but there aren’t too many teams who enjoy coming to our place.”