THE meeting of two recent Cotswold Hills League champions saw Shipston inflict a first defeat of the season on early leaders Exhall and Wixford.

Saturday's clash at London Road was a fairly one-sided contest after home skipper Andy Corby had elected to bat first.

After Corby's early departure, Julian Morris and Jon Walker added 93 for the second wicket before the opener was out for 41.

Sam Grinstead then bowled Walker for a fine 74 leaving the crease clear for Howard Bentham to blast his maiden half-century for the club as Shipston closed on 225-4.

Steve Righton and George Hardwick then struck two early blows with the ball to leave the leaders reeling but Matt Gwynn's knock of 60 and 22 from Paul Hoy rescued the situation.

However, a smart stumping by Mick Sharpe removed the dangerous Gwynn for 60 while Dave Murphy accounted for Aussie Leon Gates, perhaps Exhall's last hope.

There were double figure scores right down the middle order but the introduction of Dave Pyne into the home attack ended any hopes of an away win.

Pyne snapped up the last five wickets for 23 runs in an incredible 34-ball stint that hurried the happy hosts to a 50-run triumph.