BILLERICAY skipper Lee Knight was left feeling frustrated by his side’s rain affected start to the season.

Billericay hosted Ilford in their opening clash of the Premier Division campaign.

And Knight was annoyed to have spent so long off the pitch.

“There was a bit of a buzz around the place for our first game of the season in the Premier Division, so it was frustrating to be off for so long,” said Knight.

“Most of the boys were excited because we have lunch and tea now and it’s a different format of the game too, which is something I enjoy.

“But both innings were disrupted after the ninth hour and it was just a shame we couldn’t get more of a game going.”

Ilford batted first after winning the toss and scored 221/3.

Opening batsman Akash Raji led the way with an impressive 108 not out, while Syed Ashar Ahmed Zaidi added 70.

Adam Marchant, with figures of 2-52, was the pick of Billericay’s bowlers before the hosts finished their innings on 99/2.

Summer signing Darren Ironside top scored for the hosts, with 53 not out, after opening batsmen Saurav Prabhakar (24) and Aaron Curtis (14) had been dismissed.

Billericay - who were promoted from Division One last season - picked up four points for the draw. But Knight is hoping for more at Wanstead this weekend.

“It’s another very difficult game but they all are in this league,” said Knight.

“I just hope we can get more of a game.”