IN-FORM Kidderminster Victoria skipper David Mitchell scored 73 runs for the second week in a row as Kidderminster Victoria remained top of Worcestershire League Division Three.

KVCC are 25 points clear after a strong victory over struggling Birlingham was set up by Mitchell's half-century and 66 from Richard Thompson.

They were asked to bat first by the home club and Mitchell was supported by the ever-reliable Alex Roden who added a sound 49.

The town side were set for a good total and Thompson kept up the momentum with Paul Thomas (30) to post 280-9 in their allotted 50 overs.

Birlingham's Dave Barber, the veteran leg spinner and one-time Kidderminster Harriers footballer, did well with figures of 5-55.

In reply, only R Drake (33) and D Clasen (26) offered much resistance as they were dismissed for 158 in 32 overs.

Thomas (4-43) and David Bannister (2-44) were the more successful bowlers for KVCC.

KVCC 280-9, Birlingham 158.

A Division Three seconds team with a mixture of youth and experience were too good for visiting Birlingham who were asked to bat first.

The villagers posted a modest 129-7 with Steve Horne bowling well for 3-12 in his nine overs.

Only J Stunt (36 not out) made the total respectable though it was never going to be enough.

Ian Sadler kept up his recent good displays with a well compiled 33 and fellow opener, U-15s player David Nardle, followed up a promising wicket-keeping display with 22 runs.

Another U-15s star, Richard Eyers, contributed a stylish 34 not out and together with Dan Webb (29 not out) reached the required target with eight wickets and 18 overs to spare.

Birlingham 129-7, KVCC 2nds 133-2.