GREAT Alne achieved promotion to Division Four of the Cotswold Hills League despite having their match against Claverdon II rained off at the weekend.

With only the Kenilworth Wardens II/Catherine de Barnes II fixtures beating the elements, Eckington and Mickleton lost their final chance to beat the current leaders into a top two finish.

If Alne had won at the weekend it would have meant an unbeaten run stretching back 12 months but Craig Millard's side missed the record against the basement boys, who had to concede their previous two fixtures because of a lack of players.

The Henley Road side can secure the title at home to Eckington on Saturday (2pm start) after opting to drop three divisions over winter.

BIDFORD stayed out of the Premier Division relegation zone at the weekend as only one match in the top flight survived the downpour.

Wellesbourne beat Kineton by virtue of a faster run rate in the only result of the day.

Bidford's planned relegation battle at Elmley Castle was rained off and the Crown Meadow side entertain Overbury on Saturday (2pm start).

Kineton's defeat will have been welcomed by Exhall and Wixford skipper Scott Carmichael.

Exhall's home game against league leaders Shipston-on-Stour was another washout but both sides kept their all-important average points score intact while title rivals Kineton saw their average hit.

Exhall entertain Wellesbourne on Saturday (2pm start).

Alcester and Ragley's planned home fixture against Earlswood was one of three first division fixtures rained off.

The Ragley Park side visit Rowington on Saturday (2pm start).