AUSSIE signings Chris Jones and Vic Lawes got off to an impressive start for Kidderminster in their first pre-season friendlies.

The duo only arrived in England last Tuesday and must have thought they were in a tropical paradise until they encountered Saturday's chilly temperatures in a bitter wind.

Lawes scored 56 in a 41-run defeat to Halesowen on Sunday, while Jones took 5-22 in a good victory over Old Hill the day before.

Against Old Hill, KCC saw new signings Jonathan Wright, Jones and Lawes out for 14, six and 0 respectively.

Skipper Sean Lloyd fared little better with just one run, while Robert Brett went for six and Andy Siwicki for two.

But opener Mark Mansell crashed 107 and teenager Craig Wood 80 not out in KCC's 232-6 total over 45 overs.

Old Hill did not look like achieving the score against seven bowlers with Jones taking the top honours.

Brett claimed 2-11, Mark Venross 2-12 and Craig Siwicki 1-31.

KCC 232-6, Old Hill 150.

The town put up a good show against last year's Birmingham Premier League champions Halesowen without Lloyd and Mansell.

KCC's younger players produced a whole-hearted response against a strong side and Lawes certainly had a good afternoon.

Halesowen reached 100 in the 20th over and always kept the score going until they were dismissed for 222 in the final over.

Stand-in skipper Chris Pyke took 3-33, Wright 3-29 and C Siwicki 2-45, while Jones and Luke Eversham pitched in with a wicket each.

KCC's reply was much slower and they took 27 overs to reach 100 though Tom Sherriff did well for 12 as senior opener Wright departed for 17.

The two Australians, Jones and Lawes, enjoyed a lively partnership that put on 57 before the former was dismissed.

Lawes went on to make 56 runs before he was fifth out on 135 with youngster Phil Shaw earlier adding 20.

Pyke hit an unbeaten 24 and C Siwicki rounded off a good display with 15 runs.

Halesowen 222, KCC 181-8.

Fixtures, Saturday: Bridgnorth v KCC, 1sts away and 2nds home. Sunday: KCC v Barnt Green, 1sts home and 2nds away (all 1pm).