SATURDAY'S clash between Stratford Bards and Exhall has taken on a new significance after last weekend's matches.

Bards kept their grip on the title chase with a six-wicket win over Wellesbourne but Overbury slipped up at bottom-placed Kineton, allowing Exhall to move into second place.

Another intriguing shhowdown sees second-placed Moreton visit leaders Alcester in division one.

In the first division, Bretforton made 180-7 against Elmley Castle after struggling at 23-3.

Peter Cross (51) and Andrew Ogg (63) set a club record for a fourth wicket partnership of 109 runs.

Then Jim Jones (21 not out) and Alex Evans (12 not out) reached the fourth batting point for Bretforton.

In reply, Elmley reached their set target of 181 for the loss of six wickets. Alex Evans, with a fine spell of slow bowling, took 4-38 off his ten overs.

Badsey openers Tom Paul (63) and Chris Addis (56) put on 107 before the former was run out in the 18th over in the first division match against Shipston II.

Simon Price (48no) joined Addis at the crease and despite the loss of three further wickets made light work of the Shipston target set earlier at 197. A Hands was the pick of the Shipston bowlers finishing with 10-2-27-2.

Shipston reached160-5 and a spirited display by C Wickson (24) nearly brought the home team maximum batting points, but Badsey's renewed energy ensured all ten wickets fell in the allotted 45 overs.