KIDDERMINSTER can look forward to the remainder of the season with increased confidence as they continue to climb up the Birmingham League Premier Division table.

The mood at Chester Road has altered considerably following this week’s convincing seven-wicket win over Walmley and spokesman Ian Kimberlin claimed: “Just two or three weeks ago, it was all doom and gloom. We were looking over our shoulder.

“Now suddenly we’re in a position of strength and looking up. There’s no reason why we can’t launch a late challenge.”

Kidderminster were boosted against Walmley by the return of seam bowler Gareth Williams following injury while Worcestershire strike bowler Chris Russell was made available.

It meant Kidderminster went into the game with Walmley with five seamers and three spinners.

Kimberlin confirmed: “Gareth had no reaction from his previous game in the twos where he bowled 15 overs. He reported no reaction apart from the normal stiffness.

“Chris travelled to Manchester with Worcestershire last Friday night but didn’t play. However he was there at Walmley on the dot.”

Kidderminster therefore had the luxury of opening their attack with Connor Smith and Liam Weston, with Williams and Russell coming on as first and second change.

They could even afford to play skipper Neil Pinner at fourth change despite the fact he has bowled at first class level with Worcestershire and Leicestershire.

Consequently the likes of experienced Jonathan Wright and Michael Hill didn’t even get to bowl against Walmley, even though Hill has been taking wickets for Staffordshire in the Minor Counties League The bowling attack will only get better as skipper Matt Pardoe and Nathan Round return to the ranks after this Saturday’s game at defending champions Shrewsbury.

Ian Kimberlin admitted: “It’s a fact that some of players will be playing for their places at Shrewsbury, such is the sudden strength in depth. We’ve also got James Kinder and George Hatfield available after completing their school duties. But they’ll have to start back in the seconds!

“What was so pleasing was the manner of our victory over Walmley.

“We had to chase down 205 for nine. There was a rain delay and we were given a revised target of 183 to obtain the winning draw. But that option was never in the equation as we blasted past their total after only 37 overs.

“We’ve moved Jonathan Wright up the order and he’s adapted to an anchorman role, having knocked off a couple of half centuries in the past couple of games.”

Kidderminster will again wait on Chris Russell’s availability ahead of the trip to Shrewsbury but with Andy Kimberlin returning, it will be case of who to leave out.