GARY Whild has been pleased by the progress Kidderminster Harriers have been making in the build-up to the Vanarama National League.

The Reds have had a busy week with three games in the space of four days.

A very strong starting XI recorded an encouraging 1-1 draw against Birmingham City at Aggborough on Saturday.

Kiddy then played two games in as many days as a mixed squad lost 3-0 on penalties to Redditch United at the Valley Stadium on Monday night in the Worcestershire Senior Cup.

This is the first season that the Worcestershire Senior Cup, which Harriers won last season, has been played as a summer competition but it has proved to be disruptive for the club, who had to cancel a fans’ forum on Monday night and they have been having to put out the second team for games.

“So far I think pre-season has gone well, we’ve got some good results and performances against West Bromwich and Birmingham City,” said Whild.

“We’ve had one or two slip ups against Stourport Swifts and Redditch when we couldn't put out the first team."

Read the full interview and team report here.

Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes was proud of his players after they battled away at unbeaten LV= County Championship Division One leaders Yorkshire.

The County earned five points from the seven-wicket defeat at Scarborough to move out of the relegation zone, three ahead of Sussex and 13 behind Somerset.

Rhodes said: “Our lads can hold their heads up high. They’ve put up a game effort against a very good team.

“If we can keep up that sort of effort, then this relegation battle is going to be terrific.

“If we can fight like we did in this game after an awkward first day, then the other teams around us are going to have to play well."

Read the full report here.

Cradley kept the pressure on National League leaders Birmingham by shooting down the Buxton Hitmen at Perry Barr last night (Wednesday).

Despite the Brummies edging away in top spot, the Heathens are keen to cut the gap, especially with a clash with their rivals just a fortnight away.

Cradley got off to a perfect start as captain Max Clegg took the win and was followed home by Arron Mogridge.

However, the visitors hit back with wins in heats two and three for David Holt and Ryan Blacklock respectively to make sure the opening exchanges proved a close affair.

Read the full report here.

Redditch mountain bike star Beth Crumpton won the under-23s title for the third year in a row at the British Cycling MTB Cross-country Championships with an impressive display at Hadleigh Park.

The 21-year-old, who rides for North West MTB, was in sparkling form with a dominant display as she completed the five lap course in one hour, ten minutes and 12 seconds.

She attacked from the gun and never looked back, working her way through the senior field to sit third place behind Alice Barnes and Annie Last.

“The under-23s started about a minute behind the the elite riders but by the end I was speeding past them and finished just behind the top two,” said the Crabbs Cross flyer.

Read the full report here.