SHIPSTON-on-Stour began their Cotswold Hills Cricket League Premier Division title defence with an eight-wicket win at Leamington Thirds.

They had lost all three previous matches to Leamington, but this time scored a decisive 184-2 in reply to 183 all out.

The hosts chose to bat first but swing bowler Dave Saker (3-21) and 15-year-old debutant leg-spinner Harry Dube (3-21) restricted them.

Shipston began the run chase well before Gary Betteridge (11) was caught, but then Jack Murphy and new skipper Matthew Corby produced a 132-run partnership.

Corby (99) was caught out but Murphy (45 not out) and Justin Saker (19no) saw Shipston home in the 25th over.