JAMES Abel is delighted that Colwall are riding high near the top of Worcestershire League Division One considering the villagers have had key players unavailable this season.

The Stowe Lane outfit have won seven matches so far, with the campaign's mid-point mark occurring this Saturday.

Standing in their way are Worcester Nomads, who are five points clear of Colwall at the top of the division.

"It's a massive game," said Abel.

"We always have a good game against them and they have always been a very good side.

"We have played nearly every team once now and we're one of the strongest sides in the league this year.

"We haven't always had everyone available, so it's pleasing to see where we are in the league.

"A lot of the younger lads have been playing, which has been beneficial for the team."

Abel captained Colwall to a five-wicket win over rivals Burghill, Tillington & Weobley last Saturday due to regular skipper Nick Panniers being unavailable.

"I did it a couple of years ago, so it wasn't too strange for me to do it again," said Abel.

"Whenever Nick is away, I said I'd do it and I enjoy it."

Heavy rain meant play had to be stopped on a number of occasions during last Saturday's match.

Having bowled Burghill out for 174, Colwall were handed a reduced target of 165 to win the match off 38 overs.

And they did it with five overs to spare thanks to an unbeaten stand of 67 from Tom Coleman.

"It was a bit frustrating because of the weather, but I was very pleased with the win overall," added Abel.

"Both sides were not at full strength, but we played well.

"They batted first, which was a bit of a strange decision, and we bowled them out.

"Tom [Coleman] then stepped up again for us with the bat and marshalled us to the win."

Burghill batsman Cameron McNaught admitted his side underperformed.

"We were looking forward to getting runs on the board and putting pressure on them, but we didn't have a good performance," said McNaught.

The New Zealander added that he is enjoying his time at Brick House Farm and believes his club could still catch Worcester Nomads and Colwall.

"It's a really good club to play for, they have been very welcoming to me," said McNaught.

"We have played some good cricket and have had some good results.

"Anyone can beat anyone on their day, we just have to play well and put on a good performance.

"The aim is to win it, but if not, then finish second or third."

McNaught scored 24 for Burghill, but Ben Owens, Jack Stockdale and Ed Symonds all went cheaply.

It was left to Sam Johnston at number five to provide Burghill with hope that they might muster a win and he went on to post a healthy 80.

But too many players around him failed to score highly, with only Stephen Caple (24) adding anything of note.

Wehan Joubert (3-12) was the pick of Colwall's bowlers, with Michael Gooch and James Wagstaff also snapping up two wickets apiece.

Coleman's knock was key to Colwall reaching their target, with Joseph Blight (35) also batting well.

Toby Wildig, Owen Morgan, Ben George, Alex Hedges and Owens took the five wickets.

This Saturday, Burghill go to Worcester.