MATT Pardoe admitted he was quite happy to finish on a positive note after Kidderminster Victoria picked up a winning draw at second-placed Ombersley in the Birmingham League Premier Division.

Although Kidderminster were skittled managed to get themselves removed for 215 all out with four overs still to spare, they restricted opponents Ombersley to 186-7 in reply to get most reap the lion’s share of the points.

Nathan Round's reeled off 85 to kept Kidderminster’s innings afloat.

But it was the capture of key wicket Uday Kaul (31) that proved the turning point when Ombersley replied.

Indian IPL player Kaul has been proved a big considerable factor in Ombersley’s success this season but following his departure, it was simply a case of whether Kidderminster could go forward and win the game Pardoe claimed: “Ombersley have a young batting line-up and we always thought we’d be capable of keeping on top of them. In the end, I think they were glad to get away with a losing draw.

“Nick Hammond batted really well for them to make 102 not out. He did a fantastic job keeping us out and without doubt, saved the game for them.

“Charlie Stainforth bowled extremely well, for us with his left-arm off-spin and certainly deserved to get more wickets than he eventually did.

“Obviously We’d have liked to win the game, but the winning draw keeps us within touching distance of the leaders, we’re effectively just one result behind.

“I still think There’s at least six sides that could win the Birmingham league. And with the league going back to a win or lose basis for the last six games, things can change quite quickly.”

Kidderminster can continue to close the gap further on the leaders still further this Saturday when they entertain third from bottom Kenilworth Wardens who have just come into a bit of form by winning their last two games.

Pardoe misses the contest owing to wedding duty while Andy Siwicki is also unavailable.

Experienced Jonathan Wright takes over the captain’s reins while Ryan Derrick and striker bowler Gareth Williams return to the ranks,