BOURTON Vale CC appear to be getting back on track after a difficult start to the season.

Two wins in consecutive weeks for both the first and second teams have taken the 1st XI off the bottom of Division 1 of the Cherwell League and taken the 2nd XI to the top of Division 7.

Against Banbury XX on June 18, Bourton elected to bat and were soon looking in dire straits at 83-7.

Nonetheless, Paul Lazenbury, who has returned to the team after a year of back problems, marshalled the tail well with Greg Shepherd and Roland Seddon making important contributions to get The Vale to a respectable 205-9.

Within grasping distance of a well deserved century, Lazenbury was caught on the boundary for 99 in the last over.

In reply, Banbury XX initially appeared well placed for a win at 90-2.

However, the introduction of Greg Shepherd's left-arm spin proved to be a major turning point in the eventual outcome.

His final figures of 4-35 reduced Banbury from 150-5 to 193 all out, despite a fighting innings from Steve Partington who made 80.

Last Saturday, Bourton were away to local rivals Shipton- under-Wychwood.

Invited to bat, The Vale steadily compiled a more than respectable total of 244-9 after their 50 overs, with significant contributions from P Lazenbury 64, Max Brown 52 and skipper Nick Anderson 31.

In reply, Shipton steadily lost wickets to an excellent opening attack of skipper Nick Anderson 3-39 and James Winstanley.

Rob Pike came on to bowl out the tail and ended with excellent figures of 3-30.

With Shipton skittled all out for 158, it has put a brake on their title hopes but given Bourton a much needed boost.