DEFEATS for the top two in Division Four of the Cotswold Hills League, sponsored by Readers and John Shepherd Estate Agents, allowed Winchcombe to leapfrog into top spot.

Bidford lost out by three wickets to visitors Kineton while Twyning saw their total of 180-4 overtaken with five wickets to spare by Henley-in-Arden.

The new leaders, meanwhile, were dismissed for 191 but then saw their bowlers repel a strong challenge from the Kenilworth batsmen to win by 23 runs.

Alcester and Ragley are fourth after a five-wicket defeat win at Ashton where 14-year-old Lewis Clarke showed his all-round talent with 45 not out after recording figures of 2-18 with the ball.

Kineton's senior side still lead the way in the Premier Division after inflicting more miser on 2001 champions Bidford.

The title, though, is very much in the melting pot after comfortable wins for both Exhall and Wixford, champions in 2000, and Shipston, the 1999 top dogs.

Howard Bentham was Shipston's hero with a magnificent innings of 98 at Wellesbourne in a game when the other 21 batsmen scored only 121 between them!

The London Road club's second string suffered a heavy reverse at the hands of first division leaders Winchcombe. Tanworth are in second place after a similarly easy win over Norton Lindsey who were skittled for 78 in reply to the home side's 221-9.

Alcester and Ragley need to turn narrow defeats into wins if they are to reclaim their top flight place after losing out by three runs in pursuit of Ashton's 195-7.

Broadway remain in close contention in pursuit of the same goal after picking up 16 points when getting the better of Earlswood.

Moreton-in-Marsh maintained their undefeated record in Division Two although the Claverdon bowlers didn't make it easy for them in a four-wicket win.

Great Alne boast the same proud record in the fifth division despite being restricted to 125-6 by Elmley Castle. The hosts hit back to send Elmley packing for 94.

There was more fine bowling at Claverdon, where the home side's opener Richardson conceded nine runs in a ten-over stint that included eight maidens!

Eckington's Crowley produced the same economic spell to help bowl out the hosts for 86 and he then hit an unbeaten 29 in his side's seven-wicket win.