SHIPSTON were grateful the rain came after tea during Saturday's Cotswold Hills League clash at Alscot Park where the visitors had slumped to 50-3 in pursuit of the 216-5 amassed by Stratford Bards.

Dave Currall hit a typically aggressive 84 and received good support as the hosts set a stiff target.

Jamie Hurrell (2-35) and Jon Walker (1-20) were the pick of the London Road attack, while 15-year-old wicket keeper Craig Robins impressed on his senior bow.

Shipston never really got going after tea as Ian Lythall proved difficult to get away as his nine overs cost just 15 runs.

He also dismissed Julian Morris and Simon Wickson while Matt Corby hit 25 before holing out at long-off.

Five overs later the umpires took the players off the field and they were never to return.

The second string fared better as they defeated Winchcombe on run rate after amassing an impressive 253-5.

Neil Harper led the way with a fine innings of 102, while fellow opener Sam Bishop made 57 in a stand of 152.

Steve Hedderman then added late impetus with a whirlwind undefeated half-century that included four 4s and three 6s.

Winchcombe's reply got off to the worst possible start when Mike Brown picked up a couple of early wickets.

Mark Schaus matched his teammate and then went one better as the chasers slumped to 31-5 after 11 overs.

Brown took a third scalp but, once the opening duo had finished their spells, the visiting side found life easier and Yeats and Hale started the revival.

Matthew Pratt ended the stand before taking two more wickets as the rain started to fall and the completion of the 25th over meant the hosts were on course for a victory that was completed on faster run rate with Winchcombe on 102-9 in the 27th over.