FRUSTRATED Pete Steindl was backing his battling Saltires to upset Surrey until a downpour washed-out yesterday’s CB40 opener.

The Scots, having recovered from the loss of five early wickets, needed 65 runs from nine overs with four wickets in hand to topple the holders when the heavens opened.

Richie Berrington was leading the run-chase with an unbeaten 43 and Steindl said: “We’re disappointed not to get the chance to finish the job.

“I felt we were still firmly in contention and Richie was playing a really good innings.

“He looked in the mood to go on and see the job through.”

However, Steindl admitted the loss of early wickets left his team playing catch-up.

“You always put yourself in a precarious position losing early wickets like we did especially when D/L is a factor.

“From being 10 runs behind the rate you can suddenly be 25 off the pace if you lose a wicket or two.

“I think we could have been a bit more ruthless at the top but it is difficult for batsmen coming from playing Scottish Cup matches on Saturday to facing the CB40 holders twenty-four hours later.

“We were solid in several departments today which is very pleasing and our bowling and fielding was much more disciplined than it was towards the end of the T20 qualifying campaign the last time we played.

“We are looking to improve every time we play and today was certainly better than our last time out.”

Weather permitting, the Saltires continue their campaign against Notts at the Citylets Grange today.