MATT Pardoe has tipped stand-in skipper Neil Pinner to lead Kidderminster well in his absence.

The vice skipper will take the reins for the first half of the season in the Birmingham League Premier because or Pardoe's work commitments.

The former Worcestershire batsman will only be able to play two games in the first half of the summer because of his role as director of cricket coaching at Dorset's Sherbourne School.

Experienced all-rounder Nathan Round also misses the first half of the campaign because of his teaching role at King Edward's School in Birmingham.

That means Kidderminster born batsman Neil Pinner will be in charge.

The club has a new-look side with the likes of Andrew Siwicki, Steve Yarsley and Ryan Derrick all switching to Wyre Forest rivals Stourport.

Worcestershire opening bowler Chris Russell becomes Kidderminster's allocated player from the county side.

Last season was in fine form Wolverhampton, taking 23 wickets.

Young bowlers Liam Weston, from Worcester, and Worcestershire academy prospect Ryan Weldon have also came on board.

Pardoe said: "I am sure in my absence Neil will do an excellent job captaining the side.

"We've had several players move on and others join so it's a new-look team.

"Like last season we haven't set any targets but we'll be aiming to win every game we're in."

Both of Kidderminster's opening matches were cancelled due to rain, but the Williamson Trophy games were all decided on an official toss of the coin, which gave KCC a second round game at home to Ombersley on Saturday (12.30pm start).

Their opponents will be Ombersley, who will also play at Chester Kidderminster also start the Birmingham League on April 30 against Ombersley.

The Natwest Club T20 which was due to be played at Smethwick will now be played on Monday, May 2.