KIDDERMINSTER sealed their place in the premier division of the Birmingham and District Premier Cricket League with a resounding seven-wicket win over basement side Kenilworth Wardens.

The foundation for the win was an opening stand of 159 between Connor Smith (113) and Andy Kimberlin (70) in 23.3 overs, Smith striking 19 fours and one six from 125 balls and Kimberlin hitting 11 fours from 65 balls.

A further stand of 41 followed before Sam Beadsworth was dismissed for 10 and Smith was stumped at 228 for 3. Neil Pinner (28 not out) and Joe Miszkowski (5 not out) saw the visitors home with a final stand of 32 to complete the victory with almost nine overs to spare.

Earlier, after winning the toss, captain Neil Pinner had asked the hosts to bat first. They made a rapid start, scoring 27 in 3.2 overs before a loose shot was comfortably pouched by Liam Weston from the bowling of Chris Steele.

Two more wickets were snapped up by Weston and Barney Morgan and the run-rate slowed down dramatically. However, two frustrating stands of 91 and 102 boosted the home side’s total to 247 and the innings closed on 259-5. Barney Morgan was the pick of the bowlers with 2 for 15 from his 10 overs.

Kidderminster’s score of 260-3 was their highest score since they last played Kenilworth Wardens in June and halted a run of three defeats in a row. Their final match of the season is a home tie against West Bromwich Dartmouth this Saturday (noon start).