THERE were big wins for both Shipston and Moreton-in-Marsh over the weekend as Cotswold clubs returned to the pitch after the previous week of rain. 

In the Cotswold Hills League Premier, Shipston romped to a 173-run victory at Alcester & Ragley thanks to a huge 148-run knock from Marcus Ireland. 

Batting at number five in the order, Ireland hit 12 fours and an astonishing 10 sixes in a huge partnership with opener Ryan Worthington, who ended the innings 94 not out (10 fours and 1 six). 

Their runs gave Shipston a total of 288 for the loss of just four wickets after their 45 overs. 

It was always going to be a big ask for the hosts to chase the large total down and they came up well short as Ireland followed up his monster innings with 4-57 with the ball.

Only Alcester's David Stokes (27) reached the 20s as they were skittled for 115, 173 runs short. 

Into Division One and it was a good afternoon for Moreton as they secured a six-wicket win at Winchcombe.

Having won the toss, Moreton oped to have a bowl first and at 53/1, they were wondering if they had made the wrong decision as Eddie Huggett and Freddie Drysdale started putting runs on the board. 

But after they were dismissed, the rest of the wickets fell rather swiftly as Winchcombe were bowled out for just 127. Harry Mercer was the pick of the bowlers for Moreton with 3-16 off his 10 overs, whilst Richard Ferley recorded figures of 4-34.

The response stuttered initially from Moreton but Ferley (18*) and David Brassett (19*) eventually got them over the line with six wickets still in hand. Nico Spreeth top scored with 26. 

In the West of England Premier League (Gloucestershire), Bourton Vale were beaten at home by Cirencester. 

Cirencester's James Boyle produced an excellent bowling display as his five wickets for just 24 runs guided Cirencester to a 55-run win.

Boyle also impressed with the bat as his 69 led Cirencester to 203 all-out, with 48 from Jock Jamieson-Black contributing the majority of the runs for the visitors. 

It looked a chasable target for Bourton but they were restricted to 36-6 early on in their response as Boyle took charge of the game. 

Bourton's Charlie Garrett was providing the resistance for the hosts and he stuck in at one end whilst the other wickets fell around him. 

But an 80-run partnership between Garratt and Will Faulkner threatened to produce the runs required for Bourton, before the latter was bowled by Louis Sabbagh-Holt for 33 to end his stint. 

At 116-7, the home side's hopes were firmly resting on Garratt's shoulders but he was eventually bowled by Ellis Sabbagh-Holt for 62 and with it, the final wicket was taken as Ciren wrapped up the comfortable win.