NORTH Cotswolds Young Cricketers Club continued their good early season's form at the weekend with the Under-14s gaining a comprehensive win over Hook Norton, while the 12s engaged in a dramatic tie with Overbury.

Unfortunately, the Under-13s against Dumbleton was abandoned due to rain with NCYCC in the driving seat having rattled up a massive 294-2.

The Under-12s made a bright start against Overbury with a partnership of 14 between Richard Spencer and Matthew Spencer. But, following their departure the Overbury bowlers kept the remaining batsmen in check.

Midway through the reply, Tim Powell (3-5) struck to put his side in a strong position. However, a late flurry of runs from Whittaker and Townend bought the visitors back in contention.

With NCYCC requiring a wicket for victory and Overbury four runs a thrilling three-run dash resulted in a tie.

With all their batsmen making good contributions, the Under-14s rattled up an impressive 255-1.

Tom Clarkson (11), David Turner (10), Matthew Mitchell (10) and a brisk 18-run partnership between Jim Sipthorp and Rob Payne proved the highlights of the innings.

Hook Norton were soon in trouble against Rob Payne (3-8) and, with wickets falling at regular intervals, they failed to mount a serious challenge.

Skipper Tim Peachey (2-4) dealt the final blow as the home side slumped to 186-8 and a 69-run defeat.

BADSEY'S under-12 side - the Bushels - lost for a second time this term when in pursuit of Bearley's total of 279.

After a narrow defeat the previous week, Badsey faced a stiff test against the 2000 winners. Marcus Humpstone, Christian Pearse and Josh Mountney were the wicket takers. Matthew Hunt top scored in reply.

Cotswold Hills League

Ravenscroft Junior Section

Results - Under-12: Overbury 256 (1), Dumbleton 223 (6); North Cots 245 (4), Evesham 205 (11); Evesham 241 (3), Tewkesbury 217 (5); Bredon 232 (6), Overbury 230 (5); Dumbleton 223 (6), Drakes Broughton 248 (6); Alcester 254 (3), Tanworth 201 (5); Bretforton 199 (9); Alcester 291 (4); Tanworth 224 (4), Badsey 219 (6). Under-14: Dumbleton 215 (6), Overbury 259 (3); Overbury 262 (3), Bredon 222 (5); Bretforton 223 (5), Harvington 223 92); Harvington 143 (11), Fladbury 254 (6); Broadway 186 (8), N Cots 288 92); Shipston 245 (7), Hook Norton 258 (5); Hook Norton 207 (11), Broadway 232 (5); N Cots 219 (5), Shipston 206 (6); Exhall (3), Alcester 241 (4); Tanworth 232 (2), Henley 250 (2).