MILLENNIUM champions, Exhall and Wixford, appear intent of regaining their Cotswold Hills League crown after recording a third straight Premier Division win.

Prospects looked far from rosy at tea last Saturday after Bidford had skittled their village neighbours for just 112 but the Exhall bowlers hit back to inflict more misery on the reigning champions who were shot out for 88.

However, it's Kineton who top the table after a 13-run defeat of previously unbeaten Stratford Bards and this weekend's clash of the top two should go some way to establishing who will take the crown from the fallen 2001 title holders.

Bidford's second string, like Exhall's, have won all three of their opening games to top Division Four. Broadway were the latest victims in a rain-interrupted conclusion.

PL:21well.jpgAction man: Wellesbourne bowler Pete Birtles in full flight at Overbury last Saturday. Picture by IAN CAMERON

Exhall's six-wicket win over Ebrington leaves them at the third division's summit with unbeaten pair Warwick County Council and Norton Lindsey in hot pursuit.

Harvington lie fourth after McNally (72) and Taylor (45) helped them total 208-6 against Overbury.

Taylor's 4-14 and 3-17 from Franklin helped shoot out the visitors for 110.

Like Exhall, Moreton-in-Marsh can also boast two teams yet to taste defeat. The senior side thrashed Badsey by ten wickets while the second string had seven wickets to spare at Dorridge.

It's Welford, however, who stand proudly at the top of Division Six after the league newcomers wee awarded a walkover against struggling Hockley Heath.

Evesham were sent packing for a meagre 22 in response to Long Itchington's 28-5, while another newcomer, Temple Grafton moved into fourth place after easily overhauling Bearley's total of 71.

Former Tapster League sides are dominating matters in the second division with unbeaten Rowington on top and Tanworth-in-Arden, Norton Lindsey and Earlswood occupying three of the next four places.

Winchcombe lie second after Ashton were bowled out eight runs adrift of their target of 141. Hobbs snapped up a handful of wickets with 45 from Winch-combe's number ten Ashton crucial to the visitors' success.

Back in the top flight, Bretforton are still without a win and they were undone last weekend by Elmley Castle's Robin Eaton.

The all-rounder top scored with 29 in his side's total of 159-9 before the opening batsman starred with the ball as analysis of 4-27 helped dismiss the basement side for 88.

Shipston continue to struggle as only Howard Bentham (45) and Jon Walker (28) had any answer to the Tywning attack.

McVicker's 77 proved the backbone of Twyning's 198-7 but, at 88-2, Shipston looked well set to launch a victory assault. However, three wickets apiece for Goodwin and J Brookes ended any hopes of a London Road points haul.

Billy Wilcock was Mick-leton's hero at Eckington after the hosts were dismissed for 87.

The chasers had crawled to 43-5 after 34 overs with opener Maull standing firm. Wilcock, though, broke the stranglehold as Mickleton recorded a five-wicket win with four overs and five wickets to spare.

The league is sponsored by Readers (cricket balls) and John Shepherd (estate agents).