KIDDERMINSTER Victoria secured an impressive winning draw at Himley in the Birmingham League Premier Division.

The hosts won the toss and invited KVCC to bat in a match reduced to 51 overs due to a delayed start.

Kidderminster openers Matt Pardoe and Craig Wood faced some lively bowling and Wood, having been rapped on the knuckles, was out for just one run. Pardoe (15) was then caught by Richard Jones off Nick Harrison for 15.

Neil Pinner formed a partnership worth 53 with James Ralph, but the latter, with 24 to his name, was caught by keeper JB Dhillon off Stuart Wedge.

Pinner (30) and Andy Kimberlin (1) fell in quick succession as KVCC slumped to 82-5.

However, a partnership of 40 between skipper Jonathan Wright and Chris Pyke lifted the spirits.

Wright’s score of 69 came off 64 balls in 98 minutes and included five fours and four sixes as KVCC rallied to post 217 all out. Himley were always a threat with former Indian Test player Wasim Jaffer at the crease, but he departed in the 36th over to a catch by Pinner off Pardoe’s bowling — a valuable wicket that possibly ended Himley’s bid for victory.

When Wedge was ran out for 20, Kidderminster had their tails up scenting a possible victory. However, the visitors couldn’t dismiss the last three Himley batsmen and had to settle for a losing draw.