STEVE Kirby got his final preparations for the new season off to a flying start when he bagged a seven wicket haul for the MCC in their one day game against the Argentine South XI at Belgrano Cricket Club.

The 35-year-old is a member of the MCC party in Argentina and played a major part in helping the tourists to a seven wicket victory.

After opting to bat first the South XI were soon in trouble at 22-5, the fiery Somerset opening bowler claiming four of the wickets to tumble.

The hosts recovered to reach 80-6, before Kirby returned to mop up the tail and ended with the impressive figures of 7-24 in 8.4 overs.

MCC in reply reached 115-3 off 19.2 overs.

Kirby will only play in six games on the tour before returning to travel to Dubai with the MCC for the opening match of the 2013 season against county champions Warwickshire.