HAVING finished runners up in the South Division, North Cotswold Under-12s faced their counterparts from the North in the first leg of the play-offs and won by 30 runs.

Richard Spencer and Matt Spencer scored 25 and the momentum was continued with Ben Hughes and Matt Goss adding a 32, followed by a lively stand between Oliver Coombes and Matt Gotrel in a total of 283-5.

Although Alcester scored quickly they lost early wickets with Ben Hughes (2-12) and Matt Spencer (3-14) ripping out the top order. The bowlers, with Matt Gotrel taking 2-5, maintained their grip, to restrict Alcester to 253-8.

The Under-13s recovered from a shaky start with the bat to record a convincing 66-run win over Alcester.

Alcester bowlers Lee Clarke (2-16) and Jim Allen (3-12) claimed early wickets, but resolute batting from Rob Payne and Oliver Coombes posted 28 runs, followed by further contributions from Tom Clarkson and Dan Salvage to advance the score to 278-8.

The Alcester batsmen found themselves unable to get anywhere near the target of the league leaders as spinners Clarkson (3-6) and Salvage (2-11), together with Matt Mitchell (2-6), dismissed them for 212.

NCYCC Under-14s recorded a comprehensive 60-run win over Henley to keep their title hopes intact.

Tim Peachey (23) and Alex Green got proceedings under way with a 35-run haul and the rest all chipped in.

The home side found run gathering a difficult business and when Rob Payne (3-11) and Tom Clarkson (2-4) entered the attack Henley's hopes were dashed.

The Under-16s completed the double over Bidford with a 13-run victory to nudge closer to the top.

Good knocks from Peachey, Jon Neale and Chris Wenlock helped run up 136-6 in 20 overs. Gardener (2-21) was the most successful bowler.

The reply was underpinned by Gardner (35) and Drinkwater but the middle and late order lacked the firepower. Jon Neale (2-15), Tom Gill (3-23) and Ben Knight (1-5) were the main reason for the win.

Leg spinner Clarkson, making his debut for Worcestershire U13, claimed 5-62 to help his side defeat Notts.