YOUTH is the way forward at Kidderminster Cricket Club as they try to bounce straight back from relegation.

The Chester Road side were relegated from the Premier Division of the Birmingham League last season - their first demotion in over 100 years of league cricket.

But the club has decided a fresh approach is needed as they bid to bounce back from Division One and are looking to the future.

Six teenagers figured in the side for their opening league clash with Shrewsbury, and youngsters such as Steve Davies, Andy Siwicki and Craig Wood are expected to figure regularly in the side alongside more experienced players like Mark Mansell and Indian star Mandeep Singh.

There's been several changes behind the scenes as well, with Sean Lloyd replacing Mansell as captain as well as becoming the club's groundsman in succession to the late Dennis Jones, and his work and that of coach Rob Wood is already beginning to show.

Norman Broadfield has taken over as chairman from Colin Bullingham, to add to the similar role he holds at Kidderminster Carolians Rugby Club.

He is a firm believer in the club's youth policy. "Most of them are Kidderminster lads, and I am hopeful that this little group of youngsters can provide the nucleus of a good side for the next five years.

"There are still the experienced guys in there holding it together and hopefully they will help bring the young lads on. Bringing on the youngsters is much more important than a one-year rebound.

"We have to be realistic. It is a very commercial game now, and we are not the richest club in the league even though we are well-established. There are clubs who have come in with significantly greater funds."

The club plans a drive to improve their finances, and they still plan to go all out to regain their former status.

Mr Broadfield added: "We have had two games now and from what we have seen I am very hopeful, more so than when we started. They are knitting together quite nicely."