THANKS to the marvellous efforts of groundsmen John Bishop and Adrian Hands, a 35 overs a side match was made possible at London Road on Saturday.

Batting first, hosts Shipston struggled against the vagaries of a damp wicket and a spirited effort from bottom of the table Bretforton.

Nine wickets fell to catches and the other was a result of a direct throw to run out Andy Corby, reflecting a fine fielding display by the visitors.

All the bowlers picked up wickets. Clarke 2-28 from seven overs led the way supported by Martin (2-34), and Witts (2-21).

Dave Murphy held the middle order together and top scored with 30, Howard Bentham struck 25, Julian Morris a patient 21 and a useful 17 from Simon Willey were the main contributions to a 142-9 from 35 overs.

Bretforton's reply started well against the young pace attack of George Hardwick and Chris Wickson - both of whom were guilty of pitching too short and Witts and A Clarke took advantage notching 35 in just seven overs.

Hardwick then bowled Clarke in his fourth over and, from thereon in, bowled a much better and tighter line to complete his eight-over spell for 28.

Shipston needed to apply the brakes and Murphy (3-10) and Jon Walker (2-17) used all their experience to do exactly that.

The support of some fine fielding, notably Mick Sharpe behind the stumps, and one extraordinary catch by skipper Corby at deep mid-on, turned the game back in Shipston's favour and it was left to Dave Pyne (2-7) and the returning Wickson (2-20) to take the remaining wickets and earn vital bonus points.

Witts top scored with 31, L Clarke (17), Martin (16) and Maycock (10), the other double figure contributors to an all out total of 112.