Ambleside 64 all out Shireshead 115 all out

Shireshead first team held on to top spot in Division One of the Westmorland League thanks to a superb bowling performance by captain David Jack who took seven wickets.

Faced by the rare sight of rain in Cumbria, the game had a delayed start and was reduced to 43 overs a side. Shireshead won the toss and elected to bat.

On an unpredictable wicket, not helped by the morning rain, Shireshead’s batsmen struggled to make runs.

Simon Gould though did keep the innings ticking over, maintaining his impressive early season form with a well-judged 41 as his team mates fell regularly and cheaply. Seven of Shireshead dismissals were catches as the pitch played its part.

The visitors were eventually bowled out with just 115 on the board, leaving Ambleside scenting victory. The pick of the Ambleside bowlers were Oli Wileman 4-49 and James Greenwood 3-13.

Defending such a small total Shireshead knew they would have to bowl and field well to stand a chance of victory.

Captain Dave Jack stepped up, bowling superbly to run through the Ambleside batsmen, none of whom really posed a threat, to finish with seven wickets for just 18 runs well supported by Irfan Quyyam 3-32.

The bowlers were backed up by an excellent fielding display which maintained the pressure on Ambleside until they finally were all out for 64, giving Shireshead maximum points.