SHIRESHEAD have moved to the top of Westmorland Cricket League Division One after ending Windermere's mini run while previous leaders Westgate slipped to a surprise defeat at Heysham.

Bowling first, Shireshead made an early breakthrough when Dave Jack (2-36) removed both openers.

But Shireshead’s profligacy in the field meant that all of Windermere’s top four batsmen were dropped at some point in their innings thereby affording them all a second chance. O Killiner (49) profited from this as he took the Windermere innings forward with contributions also from both Lewthwaite brothers.

Peter Wilson (2-47) and Rowan Upton (3-52) both bowled controlled spells to ensure Windermere never quite got away, but late hitting from J Cooper (33) and M Park (29) took Windermere to a very defendable 181-9.

In reply, Shireshead began serenely as Paul Yates and Tom Jacques (102) added 68 for the first wicket before Yates departed in the 18th over. Phil Bovis (34 not out) then accompanied Jacques as he made his way towards his century.

In his first league game back at the club after an 18-month absence, Jacques batted superbly as he played shots all round the wicket in an innings which lasted 124 balls and included 11 fours and five sixes.

When he was finally well caught by M Park, Danny Wilkinson and Bovis secured victory for Shireshead by eight wickets with more than eight overs to spare.

The win saw them leap-frog Westgate who slipped to their second defeat of the season at Heysham.

The home side opened the batting and posted a 179-7 total with J Antcliffe top scoring with 56.

In reply, Westgate were bowled out for 173.

Third-placed Warton enjoyed a convincing victory over Ambleside, posted 198-2 then bowling the visitors out ofr 56.

After a brisk start by Tom Barnfield (15), Warton were checked in their progress with tight bowling on a grey day in Ambleside.

However Warton moved up a level and the imperious Ryan Nelson celebrated with his 50 well supported by Jack Tugman. Ryan then clicked through the gears to score a magnificent century and finish on 105no, equally pleasing was Jack Tugman's first 50 at 1st team level before departing on 58.

This allowed Gareth Finney to declare the innings three overs early on 198-2.

The Ambleside innings started disastrously in the first order as Graeme Crowther claimed his first scalp of the day. At the other end, Steven Beck's tail was up as he ripped in with pace and aggression which Ambleside simply could not cope with. Warton held on to their catches as wickets tumbled as Ambleside mustered a few late runs to take their total above fifty.

This was a polished and efficient victory for Warton wrapped up in quick time by Graeme Crowther (4-22) and the superb Steven Beck (6-22).

Arnside came away with 15 points from their trip to Burneside. The visitors scored 208-8 with A Lee (59no) and A Cowperthwaite (59). In reply, the home side were bowled out for 107.

Silverdale thanks to telling contributions from J Hargreaves (52), J Collis (64) and J Mason (55no) posted 230-6 to earn a winning draw against Bare who finished on 177-4.

And fifth-placed Milnthorpe eased to victory at Sedgwick. The home side were bowled out for 129 with Milnthorpe reaching their target for the loss of just one wicket.

In Division Two, leaders Coniston (148-9) edged to a narrow win at Warton (145 all out) to pick up 12 points but their lead was cut to just one point as Shireshead picked up the maximum 15 as they beat Holme. C Twiname (57) and I Ullah (52) top scored for Shireshead.

In Division Three, T Reddin of Netherfield produced the stand-out performance, scoring 112 to help his team ease to victory over Sedgwick.