THERE was only one winner - but there were almost two as rain decimated last weekend's programme in the Cotswold Hills League.

Just one match reached a conclusion and that produced a thrilling finish as Division Six strugglers Alvechurch and Hopwood and Harvington both scored 134 in a tied match.

Conditions were atrocious as the game reached its climax although Harvington knew they were second favourites throughout having travelled with only nine men.

However, they dismissed their hosts for 134 and then set about reaching the target in ever-murkier conditions.

Muddier

Wood shavings and sawdust were used to protect the wicket that was getting muddier and muddier but, once John Wilkes and Graham Jones had batted Harvington into a winning position, both sides were more than happy to play to a finish. And, what a finale!

When young Jamie Onens joined Ray Howard for the final fling, 15 runs were still needed.

The latter assumed control and helped his partner bring the scores level when he snicked a catch to the wicket keeper to bring to an end an enthralling contest.

Division One leaders Moreton-in-Marsh were the most frustrated of the afternoon's casualties. Having bowled out Elmley Castle for a meagre 75 they had reached 47 without loss when the umpires deemed conditions unfit for play and the game was abandoned.

However, the chasers had the benefit of adding a dozen points to the tally and, with Alcester and Ragley and Earlswood only pocketing eight, the Batsford Roaders now have a 16-point cushion at the summit.

Other disappointed sides were Alcester and Ragley's second team that had rea-ched 33-0 at Kenilworth in pursuit of 112 for victory.

Leamington Thirds were similarly poised for the kill at home to Wardens, while Chipping Campden and Bidford's second string were seemingly foiled of victories against Welles-bourne and Twyning respectively.

The late arrival of embarrassed Aussie Leon Gates proved a bonus for Exhall and Wixford who, on forfeiting the toss, were asked to bat at Wellesbourne.

The hosts took immediate charge and, at 31-1 after 20 overs, Exhall were in trouble.

However, Matt Gwynn (65) and Scott Carmichael (75) rescued the situation in swashbuckling style and the visitors posted a fine 200-9 that saw them collect a dozen points - more than any of their top flight title rivals.

Overbury were in even bigger trouble when George Hardwick and Jon Walker reduced the home side to 9-3 after 11 overs.

However, the reliable Paul Gillett and Ali Munro responded magnificently with a fourth wicket stand of 139 that helped the championship hopefuls to 177-6 from 43 overs at the close.

Hardwick returned to remove Gillett's leg stick after the home skipper had stroked 70, while Munro (67) was Dave Murphy's sole success on an unusually expensive afternoon for the London Road veteran.

Shipston's second string featured in the top game in Division Two but an intriguing finish was inevitably spoiled by the weather.

The hosts were chasing a fifth straight win against unbeaten Warwick County Council Staff who soon took advantage of the lively track by removing both Shipston openers.

Skipper Steve Hedderman steadied the ship and, with help from Roger and Chris Wickson, the hosts closed on 168-7 after their allotted overs.

Warwick had reached 22-0 when the players left the field with both sides claiming eight points.

While Warwick have a comfortable 49-point cushion at the top, the next four sides are separated by just nine points and an intriguing battle awaits in search of a rise in status.

The rain might have stopped the next day but the damage to the Dumbleton wicket was irreparable and Sunday's scheduled representative challenge match was another victim of the dreaded English summer!