KIDDERMINSTER Victoria captain Matt Pardoe will be praying for an improvement in form as the Chester Road club prepare for their biggest weekend of the season so far.

On Saturday Kidderminster attempt to stop the rot of four straight defeats when they entertain Brockhampton in the Birmingham League Premier Division (12 noon start).

Then on Sunday, Kidderminster entertain Nottinghamshire side Kimberley Institute (1pm) in the ECB National Clubs Knockout when a place in the quarter finals is at stake.

They suffered a 112 run reverse at Shrewsbury last Saturday after they proved unable to chase down a target of 245 for seven.

Steve Leach held Shrewsbury’s batting together with a tremendous 124, while in contrast, Kidderminster lost both openers with only one run on the board.

It was a start from which Kidderminster never recovered as they crashed to 133 all out and Pardoe pulled no punches afterwards when he claimed: “We have to do better. Our bowlers have been fantastic this season but our batsmen have not been delivering and I include myself in that. It just seems as though all the batsmen have lost form at the same time," said Pardoe.

“Steve Leach made all the difference at Shrewsbury. He played the anchor role and batted superbly.

“But there wasn’t that much rain in Shrewsbury and chasing 245 on a good wicket with a fast outfield, I fancied our chances.

“Unfortunately it didn’t happen. We were one for two after two overs which left us fighting an uphill battle. People didn’t do as they should and I’m as much to blame as anyone.”

Kidderminster have arranged an extra net session this week in a bid to try and put things right, while Pardoe has appeared for Herefordshire in the Minor Counties Championship in an effort to rebuild his form.

Whatever happens, Pardoe plans to ring the changes this week.

Key players Connor Smith and Mike Hill will miss the match with Kimberley owing to work commitments, while Pardoe will wait to see whether Craig Wood recovers from a hamstring problem.

Connor Smith was unable to open the bowling against Shrewsbury owing to an ankle injury and it was left to Mike Hill to partner Gareth Williams and open the bowling attack.

Pardoe claimed: “Both Connor and Mike have missed previous rounds, so it’s something we are used to.

“Ryan Derrick will come into the side on Saturday and I plan to change the middle order around, but I haven’t decided who will come in as yet.”

With the weather set fair, Kidderminster will be hoping for bumper crowds on both occasions.