SKIPPER Rob James insisted Knighton would rather have gunned for glory despite Presteigne’s tough total in Saturday’s abandoned relegation scrap.

The Marches League Division Two’s bottom club registered a solid 160 for nine off 45 overs at Knighton before the weather halted play.

It left the hosts with nine points and their rivals with seven, arguably proving a greater advantage to the Knights who still have a 42-point cushion over the dreaded drop zone.

However, James and his troops had their sights set on glory in spite of a damp surface adding to the element of risk.

“It was quite wet the night before so we did really well to get the game on in the first place,” said James.

“Presteigne were keen to play, they had a full side and were looking for points as much as we were but we did well to begin with by taking some early wickets.

“Credit to them, though, they managed to get to 160 which is the highest score so far this season on that surface.

“We felt the pitch was playing well and that we could chase it down. It was weird, as soon as the last ball got bowled the heavens opened. It was a torrential downpour and by the time we got the covers on it was too late.

“We genuinely felt we could chase down those runs. We have started well with the bat recently and everyone felt we could do it.

“Having said that, if you bat on a wicket where there has been a lot of water and lose a couple of early wickets, you could be in trouble. That’s always in your mind.

“I chatted with their captain at tea and there was no debate, it was unplayable.”

Mark Oglethorpe (46) was the only batsman to get more than 20 with Jack Kitchen (3-40) among the wickets.

With five matches to play, Knighton appear to hold all the aces heading into Saturday’s trip to Luctonians (1pm) but James refuses to take anything for granted.

“We’re 40-odd points clear of the drop zone but that by no means sets us up for safety,” he added. “All it takes is for one of those teams to win two more games than us and that could happen, particularly with the way Presteigne played.

“I am surprised they are where they are, they put together some good partnerships and dealt well with Jack Brain who is always a threat for us in home matches.

“They could easily win a couple of games so we know we have to go to Luctonians and get something on Saturday and keep on pushing from there.

“That will be a tough game, they beat us at home and have strength in all areas but we’re looking to keep the confidence flowing. We have had a few good results over the past month or so and hope to carry that forward.”