OVERBURY and Ashton got the new cricket season under way last Sunday.

The home side rattled up a daunting 196-6 in their 40 overs with Cleaver top scoring with 62.

Wickets fell at regular intervals after tea with only Chandler (44) and late order pair Webb and Haines putting up any resistance as Ashton totalled 135-9 at the close.

Five home bowlers shared the wickets in what proved a useful exercise for both Cotswold Hills League sides.

League action starts on Saturday, May 4 but there is a sprinkling of friendly action this weekend - just in time for the recent dry spell to come to an end!

There's a double helping for Evesham's players, who will start their quest for promotion from the Worcestershire County League at Stourport on Saturday, April 27.

Stratford's second string embark on their Birmingham League campaign on the same afternoon with the senior squad visiting Banbury in the National Knockout the next afternoon.

The Birmingham League champions have enlisted the help of Namibia's opening bowler, Bjorn Kotze, to spearhead their title defence but they have lost the services of former Bretforton batsman, Daryl Mitchell, who has joined Worcester Norton.

There's an interesting encounter on the opening day of the Cirencester League when Adlestrop, who visit Wellesbourne on Sunday, visit Guiting Power.

Fixtures for Saturday

Exhall & Wixford v Alveston, Colwall v Evesham, Stratford v Leamington, Leamington II v Stratford II.

Sunday

Wellesbourne v Adlestrop, Exhall & Wixford v Woodmancote, Rushwick v Evesham.