Westmorland League leaders Shireshead lost their first match at the season and had their lead cut by second-placed Arnside who won by three wickets in high-scoring encounter.

Shireshead batted first and Peter Wilson (43) dominated the first part of the innings, as drinks were taken with Shireshead at 92-4 from 23 overs. Nick Rafferty (62 not out) then anchored the second half of the innings beautifully as Dave Jack (60) provided the pyrotechnics with 6 sixes. Lee Illingworth and S Till bowled long spells and stuck to their task well, but Shireshead were well pleased with 225-6.

Arnside’s reply began steadily but A Lee (43) and D Hogg (36) accelerated the innings to the point where 121 were needed from the last 20 overs. A Richardson (58) entered the fray at this point, and it was he who dominated a partnership of 79 with Lee which left Arnside requiring 50 from the last 8 overs when he fell.

Wickets now fell regularly and Shireshead did not help their cause as they twice took wickets from no-balls. When Illingworth was dismissed, Arnside needed 23 from 24 balls with 7 wickets down, but I Bullough and R Hodgson saw them home for the 15 points.

Windermere continued their early-season form with an impressive 79-run win at home to Milnthorpe.

Batting first, Windermere posted 181 on the board with S Fletcher scoring an impressive 70. They bowled out Milnthorpe for just 102 in response to secure the 15 points and leave them third in the table.

Early-season strugglers picked up a vital 12 points as they came out on top against Carnforth. After Carnforth posted 184/9 Silverdale responded to reach 186-8 to secure their first meaningful points of the season.

Ambleside eclipsed Burneside's total of 122 to win by eight wickets and earn 12 points, while Heysham secured the same points total by posting 136-2 in response to Westgate's 134/9.