Newly-promoted Kew suffered a narrow defeat in their final warm-up match ahead of tomorrow's Home Counties League opener at home to Tring Park (11.30am).

Twickenham ran out winners by two wickets in a 45-over per side encounter on Kew Green last Saturday.

Kew were soon in trouble when Damon Fenner was bowled by Liebnberg for four and Maidment was then run out without facing a ball to leave Kew on 11-2.

Licudi (34) and Crabb (41) sparked something of a recovery, but Steve David (26) and skipper Rob Tindall (33 not out) were the only other significant scorers as Kew reached 192-8, Cronje the pick of the bowlers with 2-37 off eight overs.

Ed Griffin took two early wickets and Thomas one as Twickenham struggled to 24-3 and 87-5.

But a sixth-wicket stand of 60 between Van Nierkerk (44) and Ryan (49) swung the game the visitors' way. Kew II won by nine wickets in a 45-over match at Twickenham Green. In reply to 194, Kew coasted home thanks to 104 from Ed Knowles and 51 from Ed Ellis. Kew II start their league season at Harefield tomorrow.