Cotswold Hills League

A FOURTH defeat of the season kept Alcester & Ragley rooted to the foot of the Premier Division table.

A batting collapse ensured they returned from Moreton-in-Marsh empty-handed, licking their wounds following a 110-run defeat.

Things looked rosy early on as Alcester held the upper hand. Back-to-back wickets left Moreton on 48-2 and finding runs hard to achieve against some impressive bowling, particularly from Mark Woollet, who conceded just 19 runs from his ten-over spell.

But things then fell away as David Williams let rip with the bat, bludgeoning his way to an unbeaten 132 as the home side amassed 214-4.

In reply Alcester openers Mark Fawthrop and Ben Lee saw off the opening bowlers as the score ticked along to 50-0.

But the departure of Lee (21), David Swinburn (0) and Fawthrop (24) prompted the collapse and the Ragley Park side were all out for 104 in just 29 overs.

Alcester's Division One neighbours Exhall & Wixford continued their fine league form with a four-wicket win at Shipston to stay top of the table.

The home side were put in to bat and despite Steve Kerby collecting his first five-wicket haul of the season, posted a respectable 160-8.

In reply there were early casualties with skipper Matt Gwynn (6) and Kerby (0) failing to trouble the scorers.

But good work from Scooter Wickes (34) and Martin Park (43) steadied the innings before Andy Marsh (24 no) and youngster Adam Perry (6 no) guided them home.

In Division Three Great Alne edged home by nine runs against a Hockley heath side looking for their first win of the season. Restricted to 134-8, the home side then skittled Hockley out for 125.

Temple Grafton maintained their advantage at the top of Division Four with an eight-wicket mauling of Harvington who were skittled out for a paltry 73.

And in Division Six, Hewell maintained their 100 per cent record with a nine-wicket defeat of Kenilworth IV, Billy Gill's excellent unbeaten 106 securing the win.