SKIPPER Mark Mansell fears he will have to rule himself out of the next couple of crucial weeks as Kidderminster Cricket Club chase points to stay clear of the relegation zone.

The Birmingham & District Premier League side entertain Old Hill on Saturday (1pm) with Mansell struggling to overcome a nasty tennis elbow problem.

The experienced batsman had to retire hurt in the weekend draw with Walsall and is predicting a couple of weeks rest may be needed.

Good news for Mansell is the likely return of run-scoring wicket-keeper James Pipe and pace bowler Chris Liptrot from Worcestershire duty.

With West Bromwich Dartmouth and Barnt Green just behind third-from-bottom Kidderminster, their captain warned: "We need to strike first and put the pressure on the others.

"A couple of wins in the next few weeks would be great and there a couple of other sides in Cannock and Walsall coming down towards us."

Despite another good effort from Steve Ralph and teenager Ted Baylis, the batting again let Kidderminster down after a good fielding and bowling display.

Mansell admitted: "The top order didn't get the runs to give us a platform and they should do.

"It was another opportunity for a win that we didn't take.

"Old Hill is normally a bit of a tense battle as they are our rivals. It's always a good, hard game but there's a good social side afterwards.

"James Pipe will make such a difference to the batting."

Pipe's efforts behind the stumps also caught the eye for Worcestershire last week as he claimed a C & G Trophy competition record.

He took eight catches in their 267-run win over Hertfordshire, deputising for the injured Steve Rhodes.

Mansell added: "The tennis elbow problem has been affecting me for the best part of two years. I feel I do need to rest it for a week or two."