PREMIER Division leaders Kineton failed by a solitary run to match Overbury's 166-8 and in doing so surrendered the leadership of the Cotswold Hills League.

Wins for Shipston and Exhall and Wixford lifted them into the top two spots, while there was a welcome win for Bidford, who had 19 runs to spare against Stratford Bards.

Winchcombe are solid favourites to take their place in the Premier Division in 2003 after their bowlers dismissed Earlswood for 93 in the chase for 169 for victory.

Warwick County Council rattled up 276-5 to easily retain pole position in Division Three but run-happy Exhall beat that by ten for the loss of just two wickets in a 170-run defeat of Rowington.

Great Alne made it ten straight wins in the fifth division after bowling out Catherine-de-Barnes for 123 after rattling up 213-6.

The bottom two in Division Six locked horns and it was Evesham who were celebrating after a comfortable seven wicket win after being set a modest target of 81.

Tony Chitty took 5-26 as Bearley were shot out for 80 after an opening stand of 45!