Shireshead 156- 9 from 45 overs Coniston 162-5 from 36 overs (12 points)

Despite a purposeful opening salvo of 24 in 8 overs from ColinTwiname and Fey, Atkinson removed Fey for 12 and Burns soon after.

Twiname, on the back of three consecutive fifties was bowled by Eccles for 14. Rafferty and Coulton then amassed a 68 run partnership with Rafferty dispatching three sixes and as many fours in a confident 44 and Coulton scoring four boundaries in his 25.

Both were removed by the impressive Atkinson who eventually returned figures of 4 for 14 from his 12 overs. The late middle order flattered to deceive and it was left to Weir to escalate the total to 156 for 9, using all of the strength emanating from his bulbous calves to hammer two fours and a six in his 22.

Coniston, well known for their pugnacious approach to batting didn’t disappoint as they raced to 50 in 15 overs. Park eventually removed the ebullient Warne caught neatly behind by Burns for 34 but the relatively circumspect Wilkinson continued before Jamie Butlin outfoxed him with a turning leg-spinner and he edged to Park at slip who willingly obliged.

Rafferty took two fine catches in the deep and Warne was stumped sharply by the ever impressive Burns. Tom Wilson took 2 for 27 with his accurate off spin. However, Alty continued in semi-agricultural fashion making 22 not out and Atkinson finished the game with an enormous six into the bowling green.