TOP Kidderminster Victoria batsman Craig Wood has been appointed head coach of the club's junior section, it was announced this week.

The Birmingham League player, who has been a leading light in Kidderminster Victoria's 1st XI for several years, takes over from Mark Bennett.

First task for the highly qualified level three coach is to prepare juniors picked for Worcestershire district and county trials this autumn, before moving onto winter training in January for age groups from u9 to u16s.

Stalwart Cookley batsman and coaching professional Bennett has run the section for two seasons and will continue to work at the Chester Road club.

Wood is following in the footsteps of his father Rob Wood who was head coach of the junior section for 25 years until his retirement.

The PE teacher's appointment was made possible when he secured a post at a Solihull high school starting this term after three years teaching in Surrey.

He said: "I have coached the juniors before and I am delighted to be able to take over as head coach.

"It's a large and successful section, which I hope to be able to take forward to achieve even greater rewards."

The juniors welcomed their new head coach at their annual awards night last Friday, where young players received medals and trophies for best batsman, best bowler, best all rounder and most improved across the age groups.

Top awards went to 11-year-old Joe Miszkowski, who was presented with the Harvey Wagstaff Memorial Cup for the most outstanding feat after scoring 424 runs, with an average of 84.8 and a strike rate of 163.15 at U11s, U12s and U13s this season.

The Reg Bridgewater Trophy for the most enthusiastic player was awarded to nine-year-old Jack Meese for his willingness to play even when called upon to help out older age groups at short notice.

Seventeen-year-old Jack Beadsworth received the Rob Wood trophy for his distinguished contribution to the junior section.

The Baxter College sixth former, who joined KVCC when he was nine, is a Worcestershire county youth player, opening bowler for KVCC's 2nd XI, which has just won promotion to the Birmingham League's 2nd XI premier division, and helps at junior coaching.

Anyone interested in joining should contact junior section chairman Sarah Beadsworth on 07841 502535.