KIDDERMINSTER continue to struggle in Birmingham League Premier One after suffering a heavy 162 run reverse against much improved Kenilworth Wardens.

The contest had started so promisingly for Kidderminster when they removed Wardens' highly rated wicketkeeper Henry Cullen to the second ball of the innings.

From that point, Wardens began to pile on the runs to reach an imposing total of 325 for nine from a full 55 overs.

Fellow opening bat Jamie Harrison led the charge with a boundary laden 86 off just 46 balls, his innings included eight fours and six sixes.

Harrison was backed up by both Harry Johnson who hit a further 62 while Warwickshire left arm spinner Josh Baker  supplied another 60, adding 80 for the eighth wicket with Tommy Rex who finished on 28 not out.

Matt Pardoe proved pick of Kidderminster's bowling attack by taking four for 65 while Josh Tidmarsh and Liam Weston claimed two wickets apiece.

In reply Kidderminster collapsed and slumped to 68 for eight at one stage before the tailenders produced some stubborn resistance.

Charlie Stainforth struck 40 while Chris Steele remained unbeaten on 42 not out and together with Alex Rennie, who reeled off a further 26, produced a dogged last wicket stand of  68.

The pair got within nine balls of pulling off an unlikely draw when finally parted with the score on 163.

Hugo Whitlock with three for 32 and Freddie Fowler three for 26 caused most of the damage with the ball with Josh Baker claiming two for 34.

The result means Kidderminster have slipped to eighth place in Premier One, just three points above the drop zone.

Life doesn't get any easier either, as Kidderminster visit top of the table Smethwick this Saturday.

Barnt Green had to settle for the wrong end of a drawn contest with Moseley in what proved a rain interrupted affair.

Warwickshire opening bat Ed Pollock again produced the more patient side of his game as he  laid the foundation for Barnt Green's total of 289 for five thanks to a steady 91 off 108 balls.

Skipper Dom Harding helped push the score along with 68 while wicketkeeper Amrinder Brar blasted a further 71 not out.

A spell of rain meant Moseley lost nine overs in reply and required a revised 268 for a winning draw.

Warwickshire's Rob Yates made sure Moseley achieved their target by smacking a superb 162 off 141 balls, his innings containing 16 fours and seven sixes.

Support was on hand from new Somerset recruit Andrew Umeed who made 51 as Moseley managed to muster 272 for five.

Andy Sutton again excelled with the ball by taking three for 67 off 12 overs which increases his tally of wickets for the season to 44.

Halesowen  were dealt a hefty 199 run beating by bottom side Shrewsbury.

Oxford University skipper George Hargrave dominated Shrewsbury's batting by  scoring 131 not out off 158 balls.

Hargrave helped Shrewsbury  to 289 for seven before Halesowen were rolled out for just 90 runs in reply.

Only skipper Alexei Kervezee  provided any opposition with  the bat by scoring 54  as the rest of the innings crashed to the bowling of Warwickshire's promising George Garrett who proved almost unplayable when claiming  seven for 27 from 14 overs.

Halesowen will hope for a marked improvement this Saturday when they host Leamington Spa while Barnt Green visit Shropshire side Shifnal.

Himlwy blitzed Bromsgrove by  nine wickets to go fifth in Premier Two.

Northamptonshire left arm spinner Graeme White was in excellent form with the ball by taking five for 19 off 11.3 overs as Bromsgrove were bowled out for 111.

White was well backed up by Herefordshire's Ollie Walker with figures of three for six off seven overs while James Lunn and Ben Robinson both bagged a wicket apiece.

Bilal Hussain then made certain that Himley breezed home by scoring 76 not out as the Stourbridge Road side cantered to a winning 115 for one in the 30th over.

Bromsgrove bid for a better showing this Saturday when at home to West Bromwich Dartmouth while Himley have a tough task on their hands as they visit top of the table Wolverhampton.