KVCC beaten by title-chasing Walsall (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

KVCC beaten by title-chasing Walsall

12:00pm Thursday 13th September 2012 in Local

KIDDERMINSTER Victoria played their part in an entertaining game but went down to champions-elect Walsall.

The four-wicket loss at Chester Road means leaders Walsall are one game away from sealing the Birmingham and District League Premier Division title.

Having won the toss, the visitors invited KVCC to bat and only two batsmen, Neil Pinner and Matt Pardoe, mastered the visitors bowling.

The pair had a stand of 160 for the second wicket, while the next highest score came from 21 extra.

Zac Turley hit 18, Richard Kimberlin 15, Jonathan Wright 14 and Connor Smith 10.

The first wicket fell with only eight runs on the board, but Pinner joined Pardoe and some good batting followed.

They progressed slowly, the first 50 runs not coming until the 19th over due to tight bowling from Josh Bowker and Tom Freeman.

The 100 came up in the 27th over and the two batsmen were now getting into their stride, reaching the century partnership inside 22 overs.

Both batsmen looked set for a ton each, but in the 39th over Pinner edged Paul Byrne (3-71) behind for 81.

Shortly after KVCC lost another wicket before Pardoe was bowled by David Powles (3-69) for 80 and leave the hosts 200-4.

KVCC’s innings closed on 244-7, which was shy of the required amount.

A first-wicket stand of 103 got Walsall off to a strong start but the partnership was broken when Pinner (3-63) had James Middleton was caught by Henry Wright.

Mark Mansell (1-48) then removed Simon Harding (45) before Pinner claimed two more wickets.

Pardoe (2-23) claimed a wicket in his first over before trapping Bowker lbw for 31 but Walsall claimed victory in the 54th over.

On Saturday, KVCC travel to Leamington (noon start).