KIDDERMINSTER CC fell just one wicket short of an outright victory in a winning draw against Handsworth.
A fine innings from Harry Sockett saw the Kidderminster opener fall just six runs short of a century at Handsworth Park.
Sockett helped Kidderminster reach 247-8 at the end of their 55 overs although some strong top order batting saw Handsworth chip away at the required total.
A flurry of late wickets put Kidderminster in contention for an outright victory as Handsworth survived the final ball to secure a draw.
Kidderminster took 15 points from the fixture while Handsworth came away with eight points.
The result means Kidderminster sit 10th in the Birmingham and District Premier League Premier Division Two.
Opener Sockett (94) hit 12 boundaries as he comfortably reached a half-century in a 142-ball innings.
He combined with Lucas Ingram (16) and Daniel Lategan (28) to help the visitors reach 163-3.
However, Sockett was run out just six runs short of reaching a century.
Useful knocks from Nathan Jukes (31) and Ben Griffin (25) boosted Kidderminster’s total as the visitors closed on 247-8.
Handsworth also proved strong with the bat with Kidderminster only able to take a single wicket inside the first 30 overs.
Opener Montcin Hodge (46) fell just short of a half-century while Kishen Patel (57) top scored for the home side.
Further runs from Renrick Hooper (27) and Rohel Peters (20) frustrated Kidderminster although the former’s wicket sparked hopes of a late victory for the visitors.
The away side took five wickets in the space of four overs as Dylan Griffiths (4-74) and Liam Weston (3-26) impressed with the ball.
However, Handsworth safely saw out the final ball of the innings as Kidderminster just missed out on an outright victory.
Kidderminster are next in action against Leamington on Saturday, June 28 with the game to start at 12pm at Chester Road.
