Prudden Road Surfacing League

IN THE PENULTIMATE week and with Stratford already crowned champions, the battle intensified for runners-up spot in the Premier Division.

Four teams are still vying for the honour - Studley, Shipston, Inkberrow and Littleton - and it's the latter who now occupy second place after a 4-0 home defeat of Claverdon.

Studley, meanwhile, lost 3-1 to Stratford and Shipston were held to a 2-2 draw by Inkberrow who then defeated FISSC 3-1 in a replayed match.

Littleton clobbered Claverdon in straight sets as Sean Witheford and Richard Herbourn overcame Richard Butler and James Courier 6-2, 6-3 and Pieter Van-Hengel and Nigel Baker 6-1, 6-0.

Chris Elliott and Ian Smith accounted for Van-Hengel and Smith 6-3, 6-4 and Butler and Courier 6-1, 6-0.

One point adrift in third are Inkberrow after Chris Baker and Jim Richardson lost to Shipston's Ed Bosley and Adam Moran 6-4, 6-3 before hitting back to defeat Bob Bass and Chris Challis 6-1, 6-1.

Graeme Rankin and Adam Hill beat Bass and Challis 6-3, 6-3 but lost to Bosley and Moran 6-1, 6-2.

The final top flight clash saw the bottom two sides lock horns and, despite Henley beating FISSC 3-1, they stay rooted to the bottom.

Chipping Campden have taken over as leaders of Division One after they thrashed Tanworth 4-0.

They are now assured of promotion to the Premier Division after Stratford gained a 2-2 draw against third- placed Evesham.

Bidford stay fourth after a 2-2 draw with Aston Cantlow, who were overtaken by Littleton B who have moved one point clear of the relegation zone after beating FISSC B 3-1.

Division Two remains the same with Inkberrow B retaining the lead after beating relegation favourites Studley B 3-1.

Moreton are in second after demolishing Stratford D 4-0, while Stratford E stay in with a chance of the title and promotion despite drawing 2-2 with Pershore.

Division Three leaders Ardencote lost 3-1 to travelled to Whitnash who now lead the table and look favourites to take the honours.

Third-placed Chipping Campden B slipped out of the running after going down 4-0 to Snitterfield. Ilmington, meanwhile, moved up to third after beating Littleton C 4-0.

Alcester B and Claverdon C have been promoted to Division Three but the title race is still open.

Alcester top the fourth division by four points after beating Henley B 3-1.

Claverdon C defeated Moreton B by the same score but need to claim maximum points while Alcester fail to pick up any!