BURNESIDE’S hopes of winning the title were shot down as they were comfortbaly beaten by Shireshead, who keep up the pressure on top two Warton and Westgate.

Shireshead batted first and found themselves in the perilous position of 35-5 early on.

Rafferty (23) added 20 in a composed manner with Carter before Gould (22) continued the recovery with a stylish innings.

The unfortunate removal of Gould still left Shireshead in the mire at 96-9, as Dixon bowled 7-39, but an intelligent partnership of 34 for the last wicket between Park (20) and Jennings (19 not out) swung the game back in favour of the home side as the innings closed on 130.

Regular wickets fell for Burneside though as they were skittled out for 55.

Jennings was 3-20 and Oliver 3-16 as Burneside were left reeling early on at 9-3, a position which they were unable to recover from.

The game ended in the 33rd over as Burneside were dismissed for 55, leaving a three horse title race with just two games of the season remaining.

Westgate and Warton kept up their persuit of the title by beating Silverdale by 113 runs and Sedgwick by 118 runs respectively, Bovis scoring 77 for Warton while Lord picked up 64 for Westgate.

Bare’s Moller scored an unbeaten 56 to comfortably beat Ambleside in a result that leaves the Cumbrian side 17 points adrift of safety with just two matches to go.

Ambleside were all out for 96, with Bare losing only two wickets in response.

Heysham picked up a comfortable nine-wicket success at Arnside as Foster proved immovable on 72.

He helped Heysham reach 99-1 after Arnside were bowled out for 95.

Bolton-le-Sands beat Milnthorpe by five wickets to reach their target of 132 for the loss of five wickets. Dyson did the jhob with ball in hand, claiming 5-31 as Milnthorpe were dismissed for 130.

Meanwhile Coniston are champions of Division Three after beating Bare by 88 runs, while Holme have been crowned Division Four winners thanks to a 150-run success at Silverdale.

Carnforth and Cartmel had their relegation confirmed at the weekend.