MID-table Shipston-on-Stour earned their sixth Cotswold Hills Cricket League Premier Division win of the season, triumphing by 34 runs at Leek Wootton.

Shipston now have a big game at home to leaders Wellesbourne on Saturday after captain Tom Cox led a defiant recovery.

Having chosen to bat first, the visitors’ top order offered simple catches.

Despite a 50-run partnership between Marcus Ireland (32) and Jack Murphy (17), Shipston slid to 106-7 from 25 overs.

But Cox (33) and Stephen Cross (36) led the fightback, putting on 65 before the latter was bowled in the 35th over to make it 171-8.

With another 24 runs added by Cox and Sam Dexter (11 not out), Shipston eventually fell for 196 with Wootton bagging three more overs to chase.

But Shipston bowled out the hosts for for 162 in the 45th over with Ireland taking 3-21, including two wickets with successive balls, Dave Pyne 2-33, Jack Murphy 2-42 and Matt Corby 1-20.