BIDFORD threw a spanner in the works with a shock win at the weekend to hit Exhall and Wixford's title ambitions.

The reigning champions lifted themselves out of the relegation zone with only their third win in 11 matches and saw their neighbours and rivals slip from second to third in the title race.

Bidford set a 188-9 target and banked 18 league points as Exhall fell short by seven runs.

With bottom of the table Bretforton beating lowly Elmley Castle on run rate, Bidford took advantage to improve their all important points average to 10.18, one point above the drop zone.

At the other end of the Cotswold Hills Premier Division leaders Shipston on Stour had their match at Twyning abandoned to preserve their 16.73 average and Kineton beat Stratford Bards to go second with 16.08.

Exhall are 1.31 points off the pace in third but can regain second spot at Kineton on Saturday while Bidford entertain mid-table Wellesbourne (both 2pm start).

In Division One Alcester lost to Norton Lindsey.