KIDDERMINSTER Victoria had to settle for a share of the points after rain forced off their Birmingham and District League Premier Division opener against Himley on Saturday.

The game had been evenly poised when the heavens opened and prevented the match from continuing with 35 overs remaining.

That meant KVCC were left with eight points, while their opponents from the Black Country were awarded nine.

KVCC's opponents had won the toss and put the home team into bat and immediately took advantage of a lively wicket.

The home side struggled to cope with Himley's bowling trio of Shaf Ahmed, who took four wickets, Stuart Wedge (3-35) and Tim Heap (2-53).

Their opening partnership of Craig Wood and Matt Pardoe had put on 35 when Wood was trapped lbw by Danny Smith for just runs.

Pardoe looked to continue his early season form but having scored 34 he was caught by Greg Wright off the bowling of Heap.

Only one run had been added when Andrew Kimberlin was caught behind by Andy Mackleworth off Wedge's delivery for just one run, as KVCC slipped to 54-3.

Neil Pinner steadied the ship with 35 runs, before he fell foul of the Mackleworth-Heap combination.

When Andrew Siwicki went for 10, KVCC were 112-5 with just 22 overs left.

Chris Pyke was bowled by Ahmed for 10 runs, while captain Jonathan Wright hit a six as he raced to 21, before being caught by Cameron Mapstone off Ahmed's delivery.

Jon Smith was caught by Mackleworth, while Richard Kimberlin was caught and bowled by Wedge for 15, and Mark Mansell gave Ahmed his fourth wicket when he had reached nine as KVCC slipped to 177 all out.

With a small total to defend, the Chester Road bowlers needed to make a strong start and Pardoe made the breakthrough when he removed Harshad Patel for six.

Gareth Williams dismissed Dan Bassett for 12, as Himley struggled to cope with the deteriorating light.

However, Chris Tranter, who had hit eight boundaries, guided Himley to 72 before being caught by Wood off Mansell's bowling.

But the rain continued to fall and with Gregg Wright (16) and Dan Cox (0) at the crease, the umpires decided to abandon the match.

Kidderminster Victoria will be hoping for better luck on Saturday in the league when they go to Walsall (noon).