KIDDERMINSTER Victoria went out with a whimper as their once-promising Birmingham League division one season ended in defeat against promoted Kenilworth Wardens.

Wardens already knew they were up but went into the game intent on victory in the hope that table-toppers Leaming-ton might slip up and throw away the title.

But although Kenilworth kept their end of the bargain with a 46-runs success over KVCC, Leamington won by six wickets at Dorridge to clinch the championship.

It must have been hard on KVCC who just weeks ago remained favourites for promotion after starting the season in style. Since their win at Kenilworth on July 3, the Chester Road man have been in freefall and have had to settle for finishing the season in seventh.

Despite winnnig the toss and taking two wickets for 28 runs, KVCC let their opponents off the hook with overseas star Sihtsahu Kotak inspiring a revival.

Eventually, they made it to a competive total of 227-6.

With 228 required to win and end the season on a high note, KVCC failed to deliver. Despite an opening stand of 87, they never kept up that rate despite teenager Phil Shaw and Sean Lloyd batting well. Lloyd was first out three short of his half century when he was caught and bowled by Kotak while 20 runs were added before Shaw was bowled by Pidgeon for a very nice 43 to make it 107-1.

At 132, they lost their third wicket when Kotak had Wright caught by keeper Richard Bush for 14. Craig Wood was caught Jordan, bowled Kotak for 28, and that was the last show of resistence at 145-4. With their tail end offering little resistance KVCC were all out for 181.

All in all it marked a disappointing end to a KVCC campaign which promised so much but ultimately delivered very little. The club, who need to recruit fresh blood but also develop the young talent at their disposal, are set for some hard talking and difficult decisions over the winter months.