MATT Corby's 10th Cotswold Hills League century inspired Shipston-on-Stour to a rip-roaring first Premier Division win of the season.

After two defeats, the visitors came back from Leek Wootton with 24 points courtesy of a 188-run triumph on the road.

Put in to bat, Julian Morris (26) and Simon Willey (28) racked up a strong 72 for the opening wicket but it was Corby's whopping 110 that saw Shipston sail off into the sunset.

No fewer than 14 fours and half a dozen sixes were claimed in Corby's stellar knock that was eventually ended by Finn Bailey while attempting another maximum.

Jamie Shurmer (22) and Tom Cox (17*) provided further support as Shipston ended on 289 all out, a figure their hosts never looked likely to lay a glove on.

Marcus Ireland (2-18) and Corby (3-27) soon stifled the top end to restrict Lee Wootton to 52 for five, their top scorer being Sandeep Murthy with 18.

Stephen Cross (2-16) and Neil Wilson joined the party by tidying up the tail for 101 all out and a fine success that teed up nicely Saturday's trip to Wellesbourne (1.30).

In Division Three, Shipston's seconds made light work of Stratford Bards in a nine-wicket victory.

John Paton (2-18), Max Morris (2-19) and Matthew Pratt (2-21) did not mess about before Roger Wickson saw off the stragglers by taking three wickets without conceding a single run.

Stratford finished on a meagre 67 all out from 26 overs with the only semblance of a fight coming from Frank May (18). Six Bards players were dismissed for ducks.

James Paton (21*) and Graham Pratt (27*) remained unbeaten, the latter having crossed the boundary five times, after Bernie Spratt's early dismissal to total 68 for one from 30.3 overs.

Next up for the seconds is Saturday's home clash with Broadway firsts (1.30).

TEAM PICTURE

Shipston-on-Stour CC second XI 2018

Back row (l-r): Rob Bradley (scorer), John Paton, James Paton, Richard Bryan, Conor Murphy (wicketkeeper), Neil Harper (umpire). Front row (l-r): Graham Pratt, Karan Chadha, Matt Pratt (captain), Max Morris, John Paton, Charlie Coyle.