BRETFORTON have withdrawn from the Premier Division of the Cotswold Hills Cricket League due to an exodus of players and several retirements.

League chairman Ron Douglas is expecting another tight Premier Division reduced to nine teams.

Meanwhile, Adam Wiffen struck a century as Pershore opened their Worcestershire League Division One campaign with a four-wicket defeat against Worcester Nomads.

Wiffen led the way in Pershore’s 239-3 and was supported by Liam Ridings, who made 68.

Despite Luke Dalley’s 4-74, Nomads’ Ryan Tongue scored an unbeaten 129.

Evesham crashed to a 62-run loss against Cookley, who posted 304-4 in a high-scoring Division Two clash.

James Crenan (3-48) was Evesham’s most successful bowler.

Jethro Chadwick hit 115 not out and took 4-23 in Harvington’s emphatic 104-run win at Hanley Castle in Division Four.