Shireshead First XI remain fixed to the foot of Westmoreland League Division 1 after hopes of a favourable result against fellow strugglers Bare were dashed at Cross Hill Park. The current table can be found here: https://westmorlandcricketleague.play-cricket.com/website/league_table/92241

Once again it was failure with the bat (including several ‘close’ lbw calls) that meant that Shireshead had to try to defend a paltry total. Only the ever improving Adam Murphy with 30, Dave Jack (13) and Phil Oliver (16) reached double figures with Albon claiming 3 for 8 and White 3 for 6. 

In reply, Bare were under the cosh at 26 for 3 as Smethurst and Jack made quick inroads. At 54 for 5 a victory for the visitors seemed increasingly possible but Bhardwaj (23 not out) and Smith (19) meant the target was reached after 33.5 overs for the loss of 6 wickets.

Next week sees a visit to Cumbrian outfit Burneside and Dave Jack and his men will be hoping for a rapid turn around in fortunes.

Full scorecard here – https://shires.play-cricket.com/website/results/4420741