BOTH Cotswold sides were in action over the weekend as the Regional 2 Midlands West continued.

League leaders Stow-on-the-Wold maintained their spot at the summit with a thumping 54-5 win over bottom-of-the-league Berkswell & Balsall, a result that keeps them ahead of second-placed Silhillians - who beat Stratford Upon Avon 48-19 - by a single point.

The title race is really heating up with six rounds to go and whilst the top two look set to go head-to-head for the championship, third-placed Newent remain just a few points further back after their home win against Shipston.

The visitors came close to really scuppering Newent's hopes of catching the leaders, but were edged out in a thrilling 35-27 contest. Shipston missed out on a losing bonus-point for coming within seven points but pushed the hosts all the way and will no doubt take plenty of confidence from the performance.

Elsewhere in the league, Ludlow battled to a low-scoring 17-10 win over Hereford to jump above Shipston on points scored into eighth in the table.

Cheltenham proved too strong for second-bottom Worcester and went over the half-century mark in their 57-14 victory. Third-bottom Malvern lost at home to Moseley Oak 43-13.

This weekend sees Stow continue their title charge away at Hereford, whilst Shipston welcome Stratford Upon Avon to Mayo Road.