WILL Baker produced a match-winning innings as Barnt Green edged out county rivals Kidderminster Victoria by 14 runs.

Baker struck an impressive 89 off 67 balls to turn a game that Kidderminster looked in control of on its head.

It means the Cherry Hill Road side outfit have won two of their first four matches in the Birmingham and District League, while the other two games were rained off.

Captain Andy Sutton was full of praise for Baker, who was drafted into the side as number seven batsman in the absence of Sam Haines, who had to playing in a Warwickshire legends match.

He said: "Sam is someone who have came through the club's ranks.

"He's played for the fourths, thirds and seconds and we've always thought he was a good player.

"He played very well and that innings won the match for us, from now on he'll be playing higher up the batting order."

Green were put into bat after losing the toss and struggled for runs as they slipped to 54-4 after 13 overs.

Ed Pollock (48) helped Green to rally but at 176-7 they looked in trouble before Baker let loose. Green put on an extra 70 runs in five overs.

He was well supported by Simon Maguva (26) and Tom Brown (16) as Green set Kidderminster a formidable score of 262-7 in 50 overs.

Luke Radford then made a key breakthrough with the ball when he had KVCC's Worcestershire batsman Matt Pardoe caught by Nathan Newport. Andy Kimberlin was dismissed for LBW by Tom Burton.

Craig Wood (83) and Michael Hill (45) put Green's opponents on the front foot but once they were removed, KVCC slipped to 248-9.

Sutton (3-38), Radford (2-47) and Burton (2-48) were Green's main wicket takers.

Barnt Green go to Dorridge on Saturday (noon start).