KIDDERMINSTER Victoria's rising star Will Gifford has continued his development with his debut for the Worcestershire County side.

Gifford played in the county team that defeated West Indies A in a one-day match at New Road on Sunday.

The 20-year-old batsman has been in fine form for KVCC in the Birmingham League premier division this season.

And he has been tipped by Chester Road officials to go on and make a name for himself in first class cricket.

"He's a very convincing batsman and has a bright future in the game," said spokesman Brian Gittins. "I would like to think he is destined for a career in first class cricket.

"Our captain Jonathan Wright speaks very highly of him and he's been around long enough to recognise talented cricketers when he sees them."

Gifford has been a member of the KVCC first team squad for four years but his involvement has been limited because of his other cricket commitments.

He used to play for Malvern College and now captains Loughborough College and turns out for Worcestershire seconds. So far this season, Gifford has hit 465 runs in six innings for KVCC, including his highest knock of 138.

Bowler Jonathan Miles is also making good progress in Minor Counties cricket and has now taken 23 wickets for Lincolnshire.

KVCC's encouraging first campaign back in the Birmingham League big-time stuttered again with a four-wicket defeat at Moseley.

They feared their reasonable total of 258-9 would not be enough on a lightening quick outfield and so it proved as they lost agonisingly with just three balls to go.

Bowler Nigel Davenport put in an impressive effort with the bat, making 47, including seven fours, in just 37 minutes at the crease.

Gifford weighed in with 57, while Andrew Siwicki hit 46 and Mark Mansell made 41, but the failure of Jonathan Wright (23), Craig Wood (21), Josh Knappett (4) to make better scores cost the Chester Road men.

Ted Baylis and Miles went for ducks with Craig Siwicki and Vishal Bhatia ended on one run each as the KVCC failed to advance the total significantly.

For the hosts, Awan had taken 3-66, ably supported by Hussein (2-78), Webster (1-40) and Warren (1-59).

Moseley veteran Ian Stokes led the run chase with his sensible and skilful knock of 70 not out edging his league total nearer to the 8,000 run mark.

There were also useful contributions with the bat from Chase (44), Virdee (32), Hussein (32) and Magafas (29) as Moseley made it in the last over.

Davenport repeated his batting form with the ball, taking 2-50, while Wright and Baylis claimed 2-62 and 1-44.

Head coach Ross Edwards said the game could have gone either way, adding: "It was a really close game and we can look back at a couple of decisions that could have put us in the driving seat.

"We might have gone on to get a winning draw or even a victory but there's things we can learn from the match."

KVCC have dropped to eighth and will be looking to bounce back away at second-place Walsall on Saturday (12.30pm start).

"We'll be going there with a positive approach even though they've got some great Birmingham League players including Gerry Snyman who is a fine bowler and danagerous batter.

Craig Stevens is promoted from the seconds after hitting 60 in just 40 balls in their comfortable win over Moseley. Matt Brace took five wickets.