CONCERNED Kidderminster Cricket Club's Chairman of Selectors Ian Kimberlin admitted there would be no hiding place for his side this season.

The Chester Road club's pre season plans were thrown into disarray when both skipper Matt Pardoe and key player Nathan Round took up Director of Cricket roles which effectively rule them out for the first half of the season.

As a result, Kidderminster have struggled this term and currently find themselves bottom of the Birmingham League Premier Division.

Former Worcestershire opening bat Pardoe moved to Sherborne School in Dorset while Round was appointed to a similar position with King Edwards in Birmingham.

Kimberlin confirmed: "It was something that cropped up late in the day - too late for us to make any major changes to the side. We've just had to make do and mend.

"But it goes without saying that Matt Pardoe and Nathan Round would be a big loss to any side at this level.

"That said, we've still got a deep and expansive squad of players that should be able to compete at this level. The problem is, we've not been putting enough runs on the board.

"We've bowled pretty well without getting the breaks, but in straight 50 overs cricket, if you don't have enough runs, you're always going to struggle. There's no hiding place!

Kidderminster would have almost certainly lost last Saturday against high flying Berkswell had rain not arrived to save them.

Having been rolled out for 142, Berkswell had then blitzed their way to 37 for one from just 4.4 overs when play was abandoned.

It was the ageless Jonathan Wright who saved Kidderminster from a worse fate by leading a rearguard recovery after the innings had slumped to 54 for six.

Wright made 42 and found support from youngster Charlie Stainforth who added a further 18 which ultimately was enough to stave off defeat.

Kimberlin confirmed: "It was a bad toss to lose but the pair got us upto something half reasonable. Berkswell came flying out of the blocks in reply, but they needed to bat for 20 overs to get a result and that was never going to happen."

Ironically both Pardoe and Round are available to play this week at Kenilworth Wardens courtesy of it being half term, while experienced batsman Liam Weston, a close season recruit from Worcester CC, also returns.

But there will be no Jonathan Wright who is absent following his beloved Sheffield Wednesday at Wembley.

Kidderminster have also suffered a further blow as strike bowler Gareth Williams broke down while warming up for his comeback game in the Second XI.

Kimberlin revealed: "Gareth recently had surgery but this latest injury is a worry as it wasn't anything connected to his previous problems.

"However we should have a strong enough side to take on Wardens. I wouldn't say it was a must win game at this early stage of the season, but certainly one you would target to do well."