Wolverhampton captain Simon Lycett believes the title is beyond his side – but reckons a top three finish is well within their reach.

The second-placed Danescourt men conceded ground in Saturday’s 123-run defeat to leaders Knowle & Dorridge.

Lycett said: “They were better than us by some considerable margin and we have to hold our hands up and say we were beaten by the better side.

“They have all the credentials to go on and win it. But we’re ahead of schedule in our five-year plan and a top three finish is well within reach.”

Lycett makes one change for Saturday’s clash with struggling Shrewsbury, adding experience to the batting order with Tom Margetts replacing Tom Fell.

Walsall have criticised Shrewsbury and the umpire for their unwillingness to play last weekend’s game.

Not a ball was bowled after the umpire ruled the Gorway pitch was unplayable.

Away captain Paul Wicker said: “The pitch was soaked and it was decided to play on another pitch, but the umpire decided that was under-prepared.”

“Shrewsbury were classing it as dangerous without giving it a chance or seeing it so we were hacked off.”

But the champions have still played down their title chances.

Leaders Knowle & Dorridge go into action this weekend 70 points clear of mid-table Walsall, who go to Kidderminster.

Wicker said: “It’s always tough to win being out in front, but and we’re a long way from the leaders now. But it’s conceivable we could catch second and third.”

The skipper makes two changes for Saturday, with Mo Sheikh and Andy Miller back for Richard Rawlinson and Ben McFarlane.

Their opponents Kidderminster have been challenged to emulate the champions’ feat.

Jonathan Wright’s unchanged side go into Saturday’s clash against the champions 42 points behind leaders Knowle & Dorridge.

He said: “All chasers have to put a run together – that’s what Walsall have done around this stage of the season.

“We haven’t been beaten soundly by anyone and with nine games to go, it’s all to play for.

“We just need to stay strong the self-belief to get into the shake-up by the middle of August.”

Himley will again be without Tim Heap and Harshad Patel when they entertain Kenilworth Wardens.

The pair missed last weekend’s victory over Leamington and are still struggling to shake off respective groin and back injuries.

But Michael Hill returns at the expense Bilal Hussain.