KIDDERMINSTER and District Cricket Umpires Association started up the popular Joseph Ward Memorial Trophy - but a team from outside the district is dominating the competition.

Bridgnorth's Oldbury Wells High School are the team to beat in the increasingly popular cup.

Competition secretary Howard Burley said: "Four schools were interested in playing in the cup three years ago. Now we have 16 teams and quite a few sponsors."

It is named in memory of the late Kidderminster cricket umpire and caters for 14-year-old pupils at schools stretching across Worcestershire, Stourbridge and Shropshire.

The final will be played by July 12 at Hoobrook Sports Ground, home of Victoria and Blakeley Hall Cricket Club.

Second round draw: Stourport High v Hartlebury Independent, Hagley RC High v Ridgewood High, Redhill High v Oldbury Wells High, Oldswinford Hospital v Haybridge High or South Bromsgrove High.

l The district umpires association will be meeting on Tuesday at Kidderminster Harriers Social Club from 7.30pm.