SHIPSTON-on-Stour were dismissed for 119 in a 10-wicket thrashing by Long Itchington.

The hosts had several key players away, including captain Tom Cox, for the Marston's Pedigree Cotswold Hills Cricket League Premier Division fixture.

It was left to Marcus Ireland to rally the troops and try to put on a good display against fellow mid-table opponents.

Ireland won the toss and chose to bat first.

Openers Julian Morris (5) and Jack Murphy (16) did their best to see off the new ball and in particular the left-arm swing of Andy Wood who looked in good form.

Wood found a nick from Morris’ glove before deceiving Ireland (9) to leave Shipston in trouble on 30-2 from 13 overs.

He then dismissed Murphy in his final over to end a fine spell with 3-19.

Graham Pratt (6) went shortly after to reduce the home side to 43-4.

A partnership was needed to rescue the innings and give a chance of victory.

Thanks to an aggressive knock from Neil Wilson (44) well supported by youngster Max Morris (16), Shipston made it past the 100 mark with 15 overs to bowl.

But it was not to last as following the dismissal of both Morris and Wilson Shipston collapsed to 119 all out in the 39th over.

Wood was the pick of the bowlers with Alex Jack (3-12) and Peter Burnell (2-1) the other main wicket-takers.

Shipston had to bowl and field well to defend the low total.

But both Ireland and Sam Dexter struggled for a consistent line, enabling openers Tom Perks and Alex Jack to find the boundary on a regular basis.

When the bowlers did get it right the slip cordon could not provide the standard required with four catches going down early on as the visitors raced to their target.

Comfortably winning by 10 wickets in just 24 overs, Perks ended on 28 not out while Jack got 64no.

The visitors moved above sixth-placed Shipston, who visit Alcester and Ragley on Saturday, in the table with two games to play.