VICTORIES for the leading quartet in the Premier Division of the Cotswold Hills League leaves Overbury at the summit but the next trio are separated by just four points.

While the leaders were overpowering Kineton, there were close calls for Stratford Bards, Shipston and Exhall and Wixford.

The latter were indebted to a half-century from Graham Wickes in a final over defeat of Broadway, while Bards had just 16 runs to spare against bottom of the table Welles-bourne.

An excellent track at Shipston saw Bidford openers James Nason (56) and Macer Nash (61) add 108 in 25 overs but the impetus wasn't maintained despite a promising unbeaten 38 from overseas import Hanif, who was suffering from fatigue after a 72-hour journey from New Zealand.

A total of 179-5 looked like being plenty as the London Road outfit lost three quick wickets but, Jon Walker added 94 runs to his previous paltry tally of 43 in four league knocks, to lift the hosts back into contention.

Walker's demise gave Bidford a glimmer of hope but Tom Wood and captain Andy Corby steered Shipston to a five wicket win.

Shipston's second string played their part in a run feast at Badsey, where the hosts won by 19 runs after a match totalling a massive 519!

Dave Powell, Simon Price and Tony Cowley all passed 50 in the home side's 269-9 but Julian Morris hit a century in reply before skipper Bishop's unbeaten 68 narrowly failed to snatch a remarkable win.

Alcester and Ragley boasted a pair of centurions as the first team maintained the pace in the first division, while the seconds won for the first time in Division Four.

After being put in by Henley, Shaun Quirke and Gary Strain blasted 112 off 21 overs. The former carried on to reach 118 as Mark Fawthrop's 60 added impetus to a final total of 288-8.

Perry took 6-57 but that was the one bright spot for the visitors who slumped to 19-3 before rallying to finish on 172-7.

Quirke struck a second ton in Sunday's game against Sou-tham.

Captain Paul Hedges led the second string from the front by matching Quirke's Saturday score as Alcester totalled 224-2 at Kineton.

Only Roberts troubled some solid Alcester bowling as Kineton's last pair clung on at 154-9.

Another centurion was Bretforton's second string opener Ade Witts snr but, after carrying his bat for an undefeated 106 out of his side's score of 160-7, Eckington replied with a three-wicket triumph.

Ashton and Rowington fell two short of amassing 500 runs in their first division contest on a day when the former's two wicket win in pursuit of 248 left them in second place 12 points adrift of leaders Alcester.

Ripplesford (74) and Sly (70) were Rowington's major contributors while Dave Turner snapped up 4-35.

The target was reduced by 70 without alarm but a surprising collapse left Ashton needing 104 off ten overs. Enter Simon Hunt, who blasted a superb 74, hitting the winning boundary off the penul timate delivery.

While the majority of batsmen made hay while the sun shone, the bowlers were in charge at Welford.

Lamb recorded the amazing figures of 3-8 from nine overs, six of which were maidens, while George and Williams both produced splendid ten-over stints as Evesham were restricted to 115-8.

Niblett, Davidson and Howard sent down 30 overs at a cost of just 45 runs with the latter taking 4-13 and Davidson boasting five maidens while conceding a mere seven runs.

However, it was Walker and Wakelin who steered Welford to the winning post with four wickets and 19 balls to spare.