KIDDERMINSTER Victoria showed no signs rustiness after an enforced two week break in the Birmingham and District League Premier Division by recording a winning draw against Himley at Chester Road on Saturday.

Despite torrential rain forcing Kidderminster to miss their last two matches, the team showed signs they can be a force to be reckoned with if they are allowed to play.

Fine performances by returning batsmen Will Gifford and James Taylor and a brilliant spell by bowler Ted Baylis made sure Kidderminster won the lion's share of the points to keep within touching distance of leaders Knowle and Dorridge.

Himley won the toss and put the home side into bat, but captain Jonathan Wright and Mark Mansell guided them to 63 when bowler TP Singh struck to remove the skipper for 24 runs.

Mansell, who hit six fours as he made 38, was then removed by Shafiq Ahmed.

But 17-year-old Taylor and Gifford, both back after finishing school and university commitments, forged a 91-run stand to put Kidderminster back on track.

The partnership was broken when Gifford, who hit three sixes as he made 42, was caught off Jagbir Dhillon to leave Kidderminster on 156-3.

Taylor reached his half century after some excellent play, before Singh had him caught by Hill.

Wicketkeeper Josh Knappett made only four runs before being ran out, but Craig Wiid (24), Andrew Siwicki (19) and Craig Pyke (12) steered Kidderminster to 215-9.

Singh was Himley's most effective batsmen, taking 4-52.

New Zealand pace ace Kevin Forde made an early breakthrough to dent Himley's fight back when he bowled Dhillon for a duck in the opening over.

But the visitors replied by making 78-1, before Baylis turned the game in the home side's favour by removing Daniel Bassett (29).

Former Kidderminster batsman Ravi Nagra was in good form, but Baylis had Greg Wright caught by Mansell for 11.

Nagra, who hit eight fours while making 62, was ran out by Knappett as Himley slumped to 112-4.

Stuart Lampit guided his side to 180-5 before he was stumped by Knappett and Taylor caught Singh (50) off Mansell's delivery.

With seven overs remaining and four wickets in hand, Himley needed only 30 runs for victory. But Wright brought Baylis back into the attack alongside Forde.

Baylis struck in his second over when he had Cameron Fox lbw for 3 and then dismissed Hill (6) and Stuart Wedge (0) to put Kidderminster in the driving seat.

But the hosts were frustrated by Ahmed (16 not out) and Robbie Byrne (2) as they guided Himley to 215-9 and a share of the points.

Baylis ended the game with an impressive haul of 5-45, while Forde (1-46) and Mansell (2-64) also made good contributions.