KIDDERMINSTER suffered defeat in their opening game of the new Birmingham League season last Saturday.

They lost their Premier Division clash at Walsall by six wickets after being bowled out for just 105.

On a slow, damp wicket, the visitors struggled to get going after being put into bat and scored only 21 runs off the first 12 overs. They lost their first wicket when Andy Kimberlin (5) was caught by Dan Betty bowled Billy Cox. A second wicket fell on the same score. Charlie Stainforth (0) was lbw to Cox.

The total had reached 51 with skipper Neil Pinner (31) batting well but Betty took a second catch off the bowling of Paul Byrne. Pinner had struck four fours.

Then came a complete collapse as wickets fell at regular intervals.

Craig Wood (8), Connor Smith (4), Richard Kimberlin (2) and Mark Edwards (6) all found batting difficult. The score stood at 66-7 in the 32nd over.

However, Liam Weston, batting at number eight, fared better and helped the score to increase. He lost Pat Brown (6) and Mikey Mitchell (2), but was finally out for 34, hitting two fours and one six. The not out batsman was wicket keeper Rob Cross (0).

Billy Cox took 4-21, Ed Denham 2-24, Paul Byrne 2-15 and Robbie Byrne 1-26.

It took just 26 overs for Walsall to record the win. Top scorer was Mike Hingley with 47 including seven fours and one six.

Liam Weston carried on his good work with the bat, taking 2-21. Pat Brown and Connor Smith took the other two wickets.

Kidderminster will look to hit back when they welcome Shrewsbury this Saturday (noon start) Meanwhile, in the League Challenge Cup, Kidderminster fared better with victory at Halesowen.

The Twenty20 competition will see KCC travel to Ombersley in the next round on Sunday, May 21 (1pm).