KIDDERMINSTER Victoria skipper Jonathan Wright has turned to his own son Henry in a bid to boost the batting ahead of their trip to high-flying Birmingham League Premier outfit Berkswell this Saturday.

Henry, 19, will open the batting along with Andy Kimberlin as the pair attempt to forge a new partnership.

Worcestershire’s Matt Pardoe had previously opened, but is unavailable this week owing to his county commitments.

Wright claimed: “Henry’s played in the first team before, mainly as an all-rounder, batting at seven, eight or nine. But he’s been getting runs in the Second XI and deserves his chance and I’m confident he can do well.

“The opening batting partnership is an area where we’ve struggled a bit. We can’t always guarantee to have Matt Pardoe as he’s not available to us when Worcestershire are away.

“As a result, we have found it difficult to get a settled opening partnership.”

Wright praised the performance of his side last week when they came within a wicket of beating defending champions Shrewsbury following a reduced 32 over contest at Chester Road.

After posting a challenging target of 175 for six, KVCC then had Shrewsbury on the ropes at 98 for nine at close.

Craig Wood continued his excellent form with the bat by making 53 while Mike Hill hit 65.

Gareth Williams then signalled his return to the side following suspension by taking four for 22 and it was only the efforts of Shrewsbury opening bat Ed Foster, who made 45 not out, that kept his side afloat.

Wright insisted: “Both Mike and Craig batted beautifully on a wicket that was doing quite a bit. It was a real top class performance on a day when everything seemed to click into place.

“Shrewsbury looked a shadow of the side they were last season, but that said, we played really well and Berkswell will present us with a good challenge this Saturday”.

Wright revealed he was unlikely to have use of Neil Pinner until mid-July at the earliest as the former Worcestershire player recovers from a broken arm.

Pinner sustained the injury while playing for Leicestershire Seconds when he was struck on the arm by a fierce drive while at the non striker’s end.

Wright confirmed: “I’m told it was a clean break and Neil has the arm pinned at the moment.

“It’s a real shame because Neil had made 140 in the first innings and was 120 not out at the time when the incident happened.”

l Match report – Page 90