KIDDERMINSTER Victoria captain Jonathan Wright has leapt to the defence of bowler Gareth Williams.

The popular seamer has been handed a three-game suspension by the Birmingham League after an incident with Barnt Green duo Luke Radford and Sam Cheshire last weekend.

But the KVCC skipper is furious the popular figure, who previously had a unblemished 23-year record, has been banned.

“Gareth is completely innocent and the whole club is behind him,” said Wright.

“He was batting when he accidentally brushed Luke Radford and Sam Cheshire completely over-reacted and ran the length of the pitch to confront him.

“Gareth is one of the nicest guys you can meet in the league and we won’t rest until he is exonerated.”

Kidderminster would like to appeal the incident but, because he is being punished for a level two offence under league rules, there are no grounds for appeal.

Barnt Green bowler Radford could face a three-game suspension, but hot-headed wicketkeeper Cheshire could face a greater punishment.

To make matters worse, KVCC lost by 14 runs to their Birmingham League rivals.

At one stage, Green were struggling on 176-7 before an impressive 89 from Will Baker turned the game on its head.

Despite Craig Wood (83) and Michael Hill (45) getting among the runs, Kidderminster’s run chase fell 14-runs short.

Wright said: “For three quarters of the game we looked in control, but we let them get a big score (262-7 off 50 overs).

“Saying that, it was a flat wicket and we could have won it. Craig and Michael both got out too easily.”

KVCC hope to get back in track in the league when they entertain Kenilworth Wardens in the Premier Division on Saturday (noon start).

KVCC’s Graham Williamson Trophy semi-final clash against Shrewsbury has been rescheduled for Sunday.

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