ARNSIDE hit the winning runs with one ball to spare as they claimed a one wicket victory over Sedgwick in a rain-affected weekend of fixtures in the Westmorland Cricket League.

Skipper Robert Shepherd steered his team to victory with an all-round display which saw him post bowling figures of 5-19 as Sedgwick reached a respectable 137-9 in their innings.

Medium-paced bowler Shepherd was also at the crease in a last wicket stand as he hit an unbeaten 16 while teammate Chris Howsley chipped in with 8 not out.

Rain meant the teams were restricted to 39 overs each as Sedgwick’s Adam Hornby lost his first toss of the season and were put into bat by Arnside.

A tight opening spell from Howsley and Alex Davidson saw 10 overs yield just 25 runs.

The wicket of Mike Robinson (20) brought Joe Portmann to the crease with his brother Sam however they didn't last long as Sam (9) was bowled.

By drinks the score had progressed to 57-2 before Hornby and Portmann fell in quick succession with the scoreboard at 93.

There was no further notable batting performances as Sedgwick posted a total of 137-9.

In reply Arnside started strongly reaching 35-1 but four quick wickets fell leaving them struggling on 41-5.

A 50-run partnership between Mike Shepherd and Richard Hodgson steadied the rocking ship and brought them closer to their target.

Further wickets fell leaving Arnside nine wickets down with 22 runs still needed to win.

Captain Shepherd (16 not out) and Howsley (8 not out) took ten off the second to last over leaving them with five to win before claiming victory with the second to last ball.

Table-toppers Shireshead & Forton kept their lead at the top in a rain affected draw against mid-table Warton.

Warton put Shireshead into bat first with the threat of thundery showers hanging over the game, and lost Liam Parkinson early to Graham Crowther (3 for 69).

Paul Yates (34) and Danny Wilkinson (32) added 46 for the second wicket before Simon Gould (34) moved the innings through the gears to push the league leaders to post a score of 163-8.

Warton’s reply was reduced to 40 overs due to a brief halt for rain, but it began in brisk fashion as openers Ryan Nelson and Mayor added 59 for the first wicket in ten overs.

James Rafferty (3 for 53) bowled Nelson to begin a slide which quickened when Peter Wilson (6 for 19) removed Mayor in the following over.

Wickets then fell at regular intervals as both bowlers warmed to their task and the score had slipped to 112 for 8 from 27 overs when the rain intervened again.

A final five overs were possible when the rain lifted and Shireshead required two wickets for victory, however Crowther (14 not out) and Phil Savage remained undefeated in a tense finale.

Elsewhere basement club Bolton-le-Sands were swept aside by second-placed Heysham in just 22 overs.

Bolton-le-Sands won the toss and decided to bat.

Adam Dyson top scored with 34 but Reg Cupit and Sam Calverley made in-roads into the batters, taking 4-34 and 3-32 respectively.

Heysham skipper James Whincup made 41 no and Andrew Powers 29 as they chased down the 111 target with ease.

Third-placed Westgate took 12 points as they beat third-bottom club Burneside by six wickets.
Westgate’s Gary Tattersall and Andy Hill both took five-fors.

Rain also played a part at Silverdale’s home match against Milnthorpe.

Milnthorpe’s Mike Wills was on 53 not out as they reached 94-2 off 28 overs until rain fell meaning six points each.

Windermere only reached 9-1 against Ambleside before rain stopped play.

Bare moved to the top of Division Two with a tight one wicket win over lowly Ingleton as Archit Bhardwaj hit 50 not out and Moses John claimed 5-50.

In Division Three Carnforth maintained their lead at the summit with a winning draw against Barrow.

The Lancashire outfit hit 225-3D before rain stopped play as Barrow reached 100-7.

Luke Deveney’s 56 for Leven Valley was not enough to stop Carnforth coming away with maximum points to bring them within five points of table-topping Netherfield.

In Division Five Silverdale and Trimpell both recorded comprehensive victories over Burneside and Galgate respectively.