Shireshead go back to top of table and reach cup final

Shireshead went back to the top of division one of the Westmorland Cricket League with a 10-wicket victory at Heysham on Saturday.
James Rafferty.James Rafferty.
James Rafferty.

Heysham chose to bat first but could never break the shackles applied by Shireshead’s opening bowling pair of Dave Jack and James Rafferty.

Seven of the first 10 overs were maidens and once Rafferty had dismissed Jamie Antcliffe the wickets tumbled at regular intervals.

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Rafferty in particular had a stranglehold on the innings as he steadily picked up wicket after wicket, including three in one over.

He finished with the superb figures of 9-38, Tom Jacques picking up the last wicket to deny Rafferty all 10 as Heysham were all out for 96.

Heysham captain Andy Powers (33 not out) batted through patiently amidst the wreckage.

The Shireshead reply was a measured affair as Jacques (60 not out) and young Joe Cunliffe (33 not out) knocked off the required runs for victory inside 25 overs as they reached 100-0.

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Both played in an accomplished fashion to secure the 15 point win.

The day after, Shireshead reached the final of the Hackney and Leigh Trophy final with victory over Westgate.

Westgate won the toss and elected to bat first.

Dylan Conroy (44) capitalised on some loose bowling as Simon Gould (2-33) and Dave Jack (3-26) finished strongly but Westgate had good reason to be satisfied with 159- 9.

The Shireshead reply began steadily in the face of parsimonious bowling with Tom Jacques (48) and Joe Cunliffe adding 45 for the first wicket.

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When Cunliffe fell Shireshead needed 115 for victory from 120 balls before Jacques was out with 49 needed from 45 deliveries.

With nine needed from the last over, Jack (60 not out) hit a four and a six to claim victory with Shireshead 161-4.

They will play Warton at Cartmel Cricket Club on August 21.

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