A PATIENT innings from Michael Hill ensured Kidderminster Victoria avoided outright defeat with a losing draw at high-flying Berkswell in the Birmingham Premier on Saturday.

Hill’s impressive knock of 91 not out helped the Chester Road side recover from 3-2 after the early dismissal of both opening batsmen.

While Berkswell had posted an imposing 289-6 from their 55 overs, KVCC earned seven points themselves by making 233-6 in reply.

Winning the toss, Berkswell had elected to bat on what proved to be a good batting wicket.

However, they struggled for some time against good bowling by Gareth Williams and Connor Smith (0-39).

Captain Jonathan Wright had James Neale caught by Andrew Siwicki in his first over, leaving Berkswell 58-1.

But the the hosts recovered well to add a further 110 runs, with Mark Best and Nick James forming a free-scoring partnership.

They were broken up when Ryan Derrick caught James (56) off of Wright’s bowling.

Wright, who took 5-82, was in good form and dismissed Tom Milnes (20), Tanvir Ahmed (10) and Best, who had reached a superb 114.

Berkswell battled on and Domnic Ostler’s speedy 48 guided Berkswell to 289.

But the Chester Road side got off to a bad start when their texperimental opening partnership of Andy Kimberlin (1) and Henry Wright (0) were both caught off the bowling of Milnes.

But Hill determinedly got KVCC back on track and was well-supported by Craig Wood (23), Zac Turley (32), Siwicki (41) and Derrick (28).

Kidderminster face a tough battle at Brockhampton this Saturday (noon start).

Charlie Staniforth hit a century as the seconds defeated Bridgnorth by seven wickets in the Birmingham League Division One.

Put into bowl first, KVCC restricted Bridgnorth to 175-7 in 50 overs.

Paul Rowe (3-44) and Staniforth (2-36) took the wickets.

Opening batsman Staniforth then made 103 not out, while Gomez Vincent (23), Mark Mansell (18) and Stephen Yarsley (24) chipped in with runs to guide their side to 179-3 and seal victory.