Shipston-on-Stour 208-6, Bretforton 190 all out.

SHIPSTON-on-Stour defeated Bretforton by 18 runs in the Cotswold Hills League Premier Division.

Shipston lost the toss and were invited to bat first. Jon Walker (0) was caught off an inside edge by keeper Andrew Stanley from the third ball of Jack Dell’s first over.

Julian Morris and Jack Murphy survived a difficult 14 overs, reaching 42 before Morris was dismissed by Dell in similar style. A rare failure by Paul Cross (7) saw the visitors reduced to 57-3 from 19 overs.

Murphy had added 37 with Sam Hince (7) and the partnership was broken when Hince was adjudged to have hit the ball into his boot and into the safe hands of the wicket-keeper.

Murphy’s determined effort was ended by Paul Jones, lbw for 45.

Skipper Gary Betteridge was joined by Phil Hall and an excellent partnership of 94 ensued.

Betteridge (39) was eventually dismissed in the 44th over but Hall reached an unbeaten 54 by the innings close of 208-6.

The home side’s run-chase got off to a good start with Stuart Berry (22) punishing Walker for anything slightly off line or length but his knock was ended by Hall, Jack Murphy judging the catch well.

Dell hit three fours from four deliveries but was then caught by Morris, Hall again the bowler.

Dave Pyne and Dave Murphy slowed the charge and, at the halfway mark, Bretforton were 83-2. Opener Brett Woods (39) was trapped in front just after the drinks break by Pyne and Murphy had W Lloyd (11) caught by Cross.

Pyne picked up the wicket of A Ogg (12) Morris taking his second catch.

This, however, bought skipper Jones to the crease to join A Stanley and at 106-5 with 16 overs remaining the match was evenly poised.

The pair added 51 runs in just seven overs that included a couple of big sixes by Jones and one by Stanley but, in trying to hit another big shot, Stanley (23) found a fielder and Hince held on to the critical chance.

With Murphy’s spell completed 1-34, Betteridge turned to Morris and Walker came back into fray and the skipper was rewarded when Jones (33) played across the line to Walker’s first delivery and the bowler got the lbw decision.

Morris was able to keep the one end tight and with Walker bowling much better in his second spell Shipston recorded a notable double over their hosts, their first since 2002.

Evans (17) gave the Worcestershire side some hope but when he was bowled by Walker, Radford was run out by Hince.

Matthew Pratt took a fine catch in the deep to give Pyne his fourth victim, as their innings ended on 190.

Pyne ended with 4-50, Walker 2-52 and Hall 2-20.