ELMLEY Castle failed to capitalise on an excellent start and ultimately missed out on the chance of recording their first win against Shipston.

The home side crawled to just eight runs off the initial ten overs. By the 17th over they were fairing a little better having reached 31 but a flurry of wickets reduced them to 46-4.

Dave Murphy and Andy Corby both survived difficult chances before adding 90 in 14 overs. Corby dominated the partnership with a priceless 58 and Murphy supported with 30.

Both were to then dismissed in successive overs leaving the remaining batsmen to notch 26 runs from the last seven overs in Shipston's final tally of 162-9.

In reply, Elmley cruised to 30-0 in eight overs with Craig Sheward looking in particularly good early season form.

An excellent catch at second slip by Corby rewarded Jon Walker with the wicket of Eaton. Then, in his second over Murphy picked up the prized wicket of Sheward. Next ball he held on to a return catch offered by Neil Cooper.

Granacki and South African Benzein settled things down and put their side back into a winning position.

Bentham stuck to his task and was eventually rewarded with Granacki's wicket. He then chipped in with two more as Castle required 63 from 13 overs with five wickets in hand.

Rob Sipthorp and Steve Righton were brought into the attack and, while Simon Cooper looked comfortable, wickets fell at the other end.

Morris took over from Righton and removed the threat of Cooper and with it Elmley's chance of victory.

Morris and Sipthorp claimed a wicket apiece to bring the visitors' innings to an end on 136.