Bowlers help title chasers beat the rain (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Bowlers help title chasers beat the rain

WHILE Cotswold Hills League Premier Division leaders Kineton were losing on run rate to Earlswood, title rivals Exhall and Wixford and Bretforton wasted no time in securing victories.

It took the former just an hour and 40 minutes to see off the challenge of Henley who were shot out for a meagre 33 as Australian Chris Prescott ripped through their batting.

The paceman took seven wickets for just ten runs as the hosts were dismissed inside 16 overs with Steve Keen claiming two wickets.

Exhall knocked off the runs in just five overs for the loss of Matt Gwynn and, to add to Henley's ignominy, extras was top score as the winners took over at the summit.

Four Bretforton bowlers took wickets as Overbury were dismissed for 62 in the 35th over with only Des Haynes (20) reaching double figures.

Ian Prince (3-7), Darren Key (3-26), Paul Jones (2-12) and Alex Evans (2-17) were the wicket takers as the visitors sensed an early finish.

With rain threatening, Scott Marshall and Phil Davis added 43 quick runs before both fell without addition to the total.

That was the signal for Jones to enter the fray and he smashed Ally Munro for three successive 6s to hurry Bretforton to victory inside 15 overs.