A SUPERB seven-wicket haul from left-arm spinner Dave Pyne led Shipston-on-Stour Cricket Club to an emphatic 108-run home win against Leek Wootton in the Cotswold Hills League Premier Division.

Pyne snapped up 7-22 from 9.2 overs for his best return in more than 40 years’ senior cricket for Shipston.

Pyne has been in remarkable form this term, bagging three five-wicket hauls in just six league appearances.

He helped third-placed Shipston to their sixth win of the campaign to keep them in the title race.

Nick Hibberd top scored with 48 for Shipston and Matt Corby hit 31 as Shipston posted 206-9 from 45 overs on a slow pitch.

After winning the toss, Shipston skipper Tom Cox had no hesitation in electing to bat on a warm afternoon in the hope his charges would set an imposing total.

The innings was a topsy-turvy affair, with neither side grabbing the initiative.

Wickets fell at a steady rate for the Rangers, but their scoring remained high.

Harry Dube was the first man dismissed caught and bowled for 15.

His opening partner, Andy Corby, was then adjudged LBW from the same bowler (Cox) for 25.

Jack Murphy and Marcus Ireland were caught for 5 and 15 respectively, leaving the hosts teetering at 80-4.

Corby and Hibberd set about rebuilding the innings with the latter looking well set throughout his knock.

Corby was caught for 31, but Hibberd pushed on and made a well constructed 48 before being bowled short of his half-century.

He was supported by Gary Betteridge (20) and Nick Corby (16 not out) in pushing the score up over 200.

Wootton struggled in reply and lost their captain early-on off the bowling of Richard Bryan, caught in the covers by Murphy.

Corby picked up a wicket, trapping Sommerville LBW for 10.

Pyne then took centre stage, once again showing the youngsters the way with the ball.

He bowled with discipline throughout his match-winning spell.

Pyne was backed up in the field and Wootton were bowled out for just 98 in 33 overs.

Corby (1-20) Bryan (1-15) and Ireland (0-35) were the other Shipston bowlers used on a day in which they picked up 24 points to bolster their position at the top end of the division.