The dioceses of London and Southwark got their cup campaigns off the ground on Monday at Kempton Park Cricket Club, but both sides were depleted by injuries and absence.

Southwark won the toss, and opted to bat. Progress was slow, owing to some tight bowling and a fairly sluggish wicket.

A crucial partnership between Stainer and Coulson, moved things in Southwark's direction. Then Stainer was caught by Moffat at first slip off Chrystal, and London were back in the ascendency.

In reply, Moffat and Beeby also started slowly, thanks to some concise bowling from James and Philbrick, but they gradually got into their stride, and, once the bowling changed, accelerated the scoring. Beeby was run out for 30, at which point Barnes joined Moffat at the crease, and they saw London to their target in 29 overs - not before Moffat reached his half-century, to crown a very good personal performance by last year's captain.

Also on Monday, Salisbury won the toss and put Exeter in to bat first at Sherborne School. Economical Salisbury bowling, and a steady flow of wickets, meant that Exeter were dismissed for just 54 in the 29th over. Ben Dyson, a young curate from Wimborne, excelled, taking four for 11.

In reply, Salisbury lost wickets, as Butcher took three for 22, but 12 from Jack and 14 from Rimmer saw them home.

Coventry emerged as winners over Birmingham in a hard-fought, fluctuating game at Harborne.

Coventry batted first, and began strongly, reaching 130 for two, before ending up with 185 all out. The notable innings was Tom Moffatt's 55, who is now in his 43rd season playing in the Church Times Cricket Cup.

Chris Turner (in his 41st season) was the most economical of Birmingham's bowlers.

Birmingham looked in trouble at 105 for six, and with one injured player unable to bat; but the tail wagged. Cox (29) and Hinton (33) looked as if they might carry the team over the winning line, but Coventry held their nerve and nearly all their catches, and the innings closed on 178 in the final over.

Budd, playing his first game for Coventry, looked a very useful acquisition.

Meanwhile, at Castle Rising, Leicester built a useful total in the sunshine on a good wicket with a slow outfield. Norwich, particularly Ellis, bowled accurately, and were quick in the field - including a run out. But clouds gathered later, and the ball swung around for Hill and Norman before rain stopped play.

Southwark  132 all out (Stainer 29, Coulson 39, Moffat 3-36, Chrystal 3-26). London 133-1 in 29 overs (Moffat 51*, Barnes 36*, Beeby 31, James 0-17, Philbrick 0-26).

London beat Southwark by nine wickets.

Exeter  54 all out (Dyson 4-11). Salisbury (Rimmer 14, Jack 12; Butcher 3-22).

Salisbury beat Exeter by six wickets.

Coventry  185 all out (Moffatt 55, Vogel 39, Gandon 29, Burch 20*; Lanaham 3-39, Trethewey 2-27, Parker 2-32, Turner 1-20). Birmingham 178 (Hinton 33, Cox 29, Lanham 29, Turner 21; Vogel 3-54, Gandon 2-29, Budd 1-16, Tash 1-29, Burton 1-39).

Coventry beat Birmingham by seven runs.

Leicester  163 for 6 from 35 overs (Orridge 37, Norman 30, Broadley 24, Humm 18; Ellis 2-24, Child 1-9). Norwich 7 for 3 from 6.5 overs (Child 1* (extras 6), Hill 2-5, Norman 1-1).

Match abandoned: Leicester and Norwich share the points.