BARNT Green captain Andy Sutton believes the incredibly tight nature of the Birmingham League Premier means there is all to play for.

While the Cherry Hill Road side are mid-table after a topsy-turvy first half of the season, they are only two wins away from catching up on leaders Kidderminster.

Green have been hit hard by lengthy injuries to Sutton and Matt Lamb, both key men for the side, but the pair are also nearing returns to the fray in the next few weeks.

Lamb, who has been sidelined by a hamstring injury the same weekend the skipper severely fractured his thumb, is set for a return to action for Saturday’s home derby against Ombersley.

Sutton said: “I know we’re mid-table but the league is so incredibly tight that I genuinely believe that there is still a lot of cricket to be played.

“This is the closest season for a number of years and even the sides at the top are dropping points.

“I am hoping once we get a couple of players back then we can go on a run and see what happens.”

Green will be looking to end two weeks of frustration against second-placed Ombersley on Saturday (noon start).

The newly-promoted side have taken the Premier Division by storm and were one of just two sides to win during a rain-hit Saturday, which saw them move up on leaders Kidderminster.

Sutton added: “Ombersley have a very good side and they’ve done well.”

“You don’t get to second in the table unless you are playing well, so we’ll have to be at our best.”

Sutton also successfully had his cast removed at the weekend and has pencilled in returning to competitive action in the game at Harborne on Saturday, July 4.

He added: “The surgeon has been pleased with my progress and there’s no problems in terms of pain.

“I will have a bat and bowl and hopefully I will be back for Harborne.”

Meanwhile, the seconds suffered a four-wicket defeat against Himley in the Birmingham Premier 2nd XI.

Green were put into bat and made 156 all out in 40 overs, with Matt Powell (33) and David Lamb (44) getting among the runs.

Despite wickets falling regularly, Himley reached 169-6 in the 39th over.