KIDDERMINSTER came within a whisker of dethroning defending champions Berkswell in the Birmingham League's match of the day.

After posting a positive target of 240 for seven, Kidderminster then had the champions hanging on for dear life at close.

But stubborn Berkswell refused to buckle and held out for a losing draw at 124 for nine.

Kidderminster quickly clicked into gear with the bat when former Worcestershire opener Matt Pardoe joined forces with Nathan Round in the middle and managed to put on 145 runs for the third wicket.

Round continued his fine form by reaching 72 while Pardoe plundered 92 off 124 balls.

The pair laid the platform for Kidderminster's 240 for seven before Berkswell sensationally collapsed when they replied.

At one stage Berkswell found themselves in real trouble at 50 for seven before former county players Grant Thornton with 33 and Tom Milnes on 32 stopped the slide.

It was Berkswell's last pairing of Adnaan Riaz and Josh Aspinall who refused to budge, holding out for the draw despite the efforts of Liam Weston who took three for 20 and chris Steele two for 35, while Charlie Stainforth, Neil Pinner, Round and Pardoe all picked up a wicket apiece.

Despite their losing draw, Berkswell still remain well clear of second placed Kidderminster while Barnt Green move up to fourth following their six wicket win over West Bromwich Dartmouth.

Former England player Kabir Ali proved the mainstay of Dartmouth's batting by reaching 53 not out before skipper Darrel Williams mopped up the innings by taking four for 41.

But a Dartmouth total of 178 all out was to prove well short when Barnt Green replied.

Ben Chapman-Lilley with 54 and Andy Sutton on 48 laid the foundation for victory with a 101 run opening stand.

Will Baker then whacked 35 not out to take the Green over the line at 181 for four with eight overs to spare.

Kidderminster cannot afford to rest on their laurels as they must visit Barnt Green this Saturday in what should prove an intriguing contest.

Premier Two table toppers Halesowen suffered a set back to their title hopes after suffering a 44 run reverse from local rivals Harborne.

Tom Payne hit a half century for Harborne and found support from Jimmy Clifford with 29 and wicketkeeper Jack Holloway on 31 not out.

Eager Eddie Rhodes then took effect by ripping out figures of five for 26 as Harborne were restricted to 190 all out in the 51st over.

Despite having 58 overs in reply, Halesowen made heavy weather of batting and were finally removed for 146 all out, Swapnil Gugale destroying the top order by taking four for 44 while Tom Payne with three for 12 and Tom Arnold who took three for 44 accounting for the remaining wickets to fall.

Himley slip back to third place despite pulling off a comprehensive five wicket win over Oswestry.

Warwick Fynn fired 65 but lacked support as the Shropshire side slumped to 159 all out.

Matt Jeavons continued his fine form with the ball by taking three for 36 while Saul Anstey and Ben Robinson both bagged a couple of wickets apiece to leave Oswestry on the back foot.

Callum Lea then cracked a calculated 73 off 107 balls as Himley cantered to a winning 161 for five in the 45th over.

Himley host Wem this Saturday at Stourbridge Road while leaders Halesowen head for Bridgnorth.

Bromsgrove hope to be back in action when they are due to entertain Kenilworth Wardens having fallen victims to COVID restrictions.