KVCC’s top four hopes still alive (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

KVCC’s top four hopes still alive

12:00pm Thursday 6th September 2012 in Local

KIDDERMINSTER Victoria kept their hopes of a top four finish alive in the Birmingham and District League Premier Division with a nine-wicket win over already relegated Wellington on Saturday.

Victory leaves the Chester Road outfit sixth in the table but still with a chance to overhaul fourth-placed Wolverhampton.

On Saturday, KVCC bounced back from a chastening loss to West Bromwich Dartmouth last week.

They welcomed back Worcestershire players Matt Pardoe, Neil Pinner and Ben Cox, and the trio made significant contributions.

Wellington won the toss and decided to bat. With only two batsmen producing reasonable scores, Matt Tilt (39) and Robert Clarke (23), it still took KVCC nearly 45 overs to remove them for 127.

Pinner returned figures of 3-14, Richard Kimberlin took 1-34, Gareth Williams 2-30, Connor Smith 2-18 including a spectacular caught and bowled, and Mark Mansell 2-28.

KVCC’s fielding was good with eight catches going to hand with wicketkeeper Cox taking three of them.

The opening partnership of Andy Kimberlin and Pardoe had produced 19 runs from the first three overs, but having scored six, the former was caught and bowled by Wendell Wagner.

Pinner joined Pardoe and the score mounted rapidly. They had the hundred up by the 13th over with boundaries galore.

Both batsmen relished the good batting conditions with Pinner finishing the match 65 not out and Pardoe also still there with 56.

Pardoe batted for 68 minutes hitting seven fours and a six, while Pinner batted for 54 minutes with eight fours and one six.

KVCC can end the season with a flourish and have a say in the title battle on Saturday when they entertain leaders Walsall (noon start).

With Walsall only a few points ahead of second-placed Himley, a win for KVCC could play a big part in who wins the league.