JULIAN Morris recorded his first half century of the season and, in the process, laid the foundations for a healthy Shipston total of 236-3.

Gary Betteridge started brightly and had posted 25 in an opening stand of 45 before Elmley's Neil Cooper was gifted his wicket when the ball rebounded back off keeper Dave Wheatley's pads and Betteridge was adjudged stumped.

Jon Walker was looking in good form only to be involved in a mix-up with Morris and was run out by a distance.

Ironically, Walker was soon back in the action when called upon to act as a runner for the injured Howard Bentham.

On the warmest day of the season, Walker was made to work hard as Bentham featured in partnerships of 67 with Morris and 72 with skipper Andy Corby, the latter accumulated from just seven overs.

Morris, who passed 4,000 league runs during his knock of 79, was dismissed in the 38th over by Simon Cooper but, rather than respite for the visitors, Corby piled on the misery notching 45 from just 28 balls while Bentham reached his 50 off the last ball of the innings.

Elmley's reply started badly with John Buchanan running out Rollett in the second over. And, with youngsters George Hardwick and Chris Wickson both bowling well and at pace, wickets fell regularly.

A 69-run sixth wicket partnership between Neil Cooper and Print briefly threatened. The former impressed with some excellent drives and reached a well deserved half century.

But, after Print was caught and bowled by Murphy for 29, the task became too much and Dave Pyne captured his wicket stumped Corby for 59.

Walker and Pyne claimed another wicket apiece and Elmley's innings ended 102 runs short.