ALEX Thislethwaite scored the maiden century of his career as Warton set Windermere an imposing total, but ultimately had to settle for a winning draw at Hyning Park.

Warton amassed 244-3, with Thistlethwaite the standout performer with an unbeaten 124, as Ryan Nelson added 51, Dan Dixon 32 and Graeme Crowthers a lusty 24 not out.

Facing the daunting prospect of chasing down 245 for victory, Windermere started their reply dangerously with Oliver Killiner intent on acquiring early runs.

Killiner was dismissed for 26 by Jack Brown, who returned figures of 3-51, as Mick Lewthwaite top scored with 54 as Windermere progressed to 134-7 at the close.

An intriguing clash unfolded as reigning champions Arnside hosted last season’s runners-up Milnthorpe, with the match going to down to the wire.

Batting first, Milnthorpe posted 164 all out from 44.5 overs with Steve Bowman the most prominent batsman with 51, an innings which included three fours and three sixes.

Lee Illingworth added 27 while there was a pivotal knock of 25 not out down the order from Sam Woodburn, as Adrian Lee took 4-46 from eight overs.

In response, Bob Baldwin ripped through the Arnside top order to finish with impressive figures of 7-58 from his 17 overs.

While there was no major contributions, Oliver Richardson-Hogg, Adam Richardson and Alex Davidson all made starts and recorded scores in the twenties.

Thomas Parkinson claimed the final wicket to fall as Chris Howsley holed out to Phil Bovis, leaving Mick Shepherd stranded at the other end on 23 not out, as Milnthorpe took 15 points.

Silverdale claimed ten points from their clash with bottom of the table Bolton le Sands at Cove Road after failing to snare the final visiting wicket.

In the end, Martin Dyson and Steve Huckall batted out the final three overs to ensure Bolton le Sands avoided defeat, finishing 128-9 after 47 overs.

Robert Clarkson top scored with a patient 32, with Phil Mason the pick of the bowlers with 4-15, while Jon Mason took 3-32 and Jack Thompson 1-18.

Earlier in the piece, Silverdale declared on 180-7 after 43 overs, with Phil Mason notching an unbeaten half century as Graham Dodds and Jon Mason also made significant contributions.

Shireshead remain top of the pile after a convincing 15-point win against high-flying Westgate at Cross Hill Park, with the hosts struggling to find batting consistency after winning the toss.

Peter Wilson claimed 4-9 and James Rafferty 3-14 in bowler friendly conditions as Westgate were routed for just 85, with Shireshead claiming their fourth win of the summer.

Their reply was ticking over nicely at 62-3 before a mini collapse halted progress, with Wilson’s unbeaten 23 steering the away side to a two-wicket win.

Elsewhere, rain ruined the prospect of a result in a finely poised clash at Rydal Road as Ambleside were dismissed for 134, with Sedgwick 27-2 when the weather intervened.

After Hugh Tyson and Oli Wilieman put on 51 for the first wicket, the home side collapsed to 81-6 and later 115-9 as the last wicket added a valuable 19 runs.

Paul Spencer struck 25 while Alistair Gage contributed 17 as Ambleside were bowled out in 36 overs, as Jonny Matthews and Simon Willacy claimed five wickets apiece.

In reply, Dan Southworth dismissed Mike Robinson and Ian Wilson to leave the visitors 27-2, with the umpires deciding no further play was possible after an enforced rain delay.

Heysham produced an inspired bowling display to brush aside Burneside and claim 15 points at Carr Lane, with the visitors bowled out for just 67.

Seamer Reg Cupit was the pick of the Heysham attack, claiming 6-33, while slow left-armer Stefan Dixon also weighed in, taking 4-16. 

In reply, Heysham made light work of the run chase, easing to a ten-wicket victory with openers Luke Pearson and Lewis Placket finishing unbeaten on 35 and 28 respectively.

Division Two league leaders Bare staggered over the line, defeating Kirkby Lonsdale by one wicket while there were also wins for high-flying Holme and Trimpell.

In the third tier, Carnforth stay top of the pile after chasing down 123 against third-placed Warton to record a five-wicket win, as Milnthorpe beat Arnside by the same margin.

Meanwhile, the only game in Division Five saw runaway leaders Morecambe continue their impressive start to the season by beating Ingleton by four wickets.