CARNFORTH took a big step towards winning the League when a side decimated by absences still managed to beat Bare by three wickets.

To be fair to Bare, they may have scored more than 149/7 had their leading batsman not headed the wrong direction on the motorway in the belief that the morning rain had seen the game cancelled.

James Ferguson made 40 not out for the hosts, but Ryan Nelson (44) and Adam Hornby (34) made the runs for Carnforth, despite Lauren Burgess (1/25) claiming her first league wicket for the first team, the scalp of form batsman, Shane Dixon no less.

Openers Tom Jacques (90) and Joe Cunliffe (39) added 109 for Shireshead who totalled 193 against Heysham, despite Graeme Cassidy’s 5/13.

Dave Jack (6/29) found his mojo, reducing Heysham to 28/5 and although Liam Parkinson (31) and Andy Powers (23 not out) rallied they were dismissed for 102. On Sunday, Jacques (63) and Cunliffe (a career best 75 not out) were at it again against Trimpell adding 125 as Shireshead scored 181/3 declared in 31 overs before the rain came with Trimpell 19/1.

On Saturday, Milnthorpe v Sedgwick was abandoned, but Milnthorpe beat Warton by five wickets on Sunday with Scott Singleton taking 6/4, including a hat trick as the last four wickets fell with the score on 70.

It had been different on Saturday when Partridge’s career best 7/27 for the first team bowled out Trimpell for 85.

The left arm medium pacer has now taken 30 wickets and sits proudly at the top of the league wickets list. Warton captain, Stuart Mayor, with 41 not out against his former team led the victory charge. Sedgwick’s game against Arnside was abandoned with Arnside on 12/1 after Mike Bracken’s 51 helped Sedgwick to 134.

On Saturday, Calum McKenzie made an impressive league debut for Burneside taking 6/35 as Arnside were routed for 81, Ben Leacock chipping in with 3/35. Ethan Elwood (30 not out) and Ryan Shepherd (34 not out) saw Burneside continue their recent excellent form, winning by 7 wickets. The season has become a struggle for Silverdale and experienced all rounder Jonny Mason has taken over the captaincy. They managed a point at Westgate on Saturday, holding out on 111/7 in response to Westgate’s 188/7 where Phil Harvey made 75.