Shireshead 144-8, Carnforth 148-5

In the Hackney and Leigh semi-final Shireshead lost to a strong Carnforth side who were in control throughout the match.

Shireshead won the toss and elected to bat but the innings started very slowly due to tight bowling from Carnforth.

Opening bowlers Darren Nelson and Tom Parkinson kept a stranglehold on the home side, Nelson 1-15 from seven overs and Parkinson 2-16 /2 off his seven overs. After nine overs the score was 9-1.

Paul Yates, 29, and Simon Gould, 24 upped the pace before Gould was caught. Joe Cunliffe then came to the crease and for the third time this season in this competition, scored 50 which included nine fours but due to the new ruling he had to retire at 50.

After 25 overs, the score was 99-2 and a competitive score was on the cards but the next five wickets fell with no Shireshead batsmen reaching double figures and the home side finished on 144-8.  Tom Parkinson taking four catches for Carnforth.

Shireshead knew early wickets were needed to put pressure on Carnforth, but openers Ryan Nelson, 45, and Chris Parry, 22, had other ideas and the score rattled on to 62 in 11th over before the first wicket fell with Parry being stumped by Matt Yates off the bowling of Tom Jacques.

The Carnforth innings slowed down after Ryan Nelson was caught by Steve Yates, and they lost a couple more wickets but by now the result was never in doubt as Adam Hornby, 18, and Darren Nelson, 4, saw Carnforth home for the victory and a place in the final.