Westgate fall to narrow two-wicket defeat at Shireshead

By Chris Hill
Westgate batted first and posted just 39 runs. Dylan Conroy top scored with 13 while Dave Jack (6-12) was the top wicket taker.

In response, Shireshead reached the target in 31.1 overs. J.Dodd (14) top scored while Zak Buchanan (4-19) was the top wicket taker.

Shireshead entertained Westgate on Saturday with the rainfall leaving a very wet outfield and a bowler friendly wicket.

Invited to bat first, Westgate's prolific opener -Garry Tattersall - was given out, run out at the bowlers end by the square leg umpire, a very strange dismissal.

The innings never recovered from this set back as with five regulars missing the batting line up had no answers to the wicket or the bowling of Dave Jack.

He worked his way through the batting order and returned figures of 11 - 3 - 12 - 6 and with Irfan Qayuam taking 3 for 25 the last eight wickets went for 15 runs with only Dylan Conroy (13) making double figures in a display that left the visitors with a slim total of 39 a. o.

Not much to defend, but Westgate came out with a brilliant defence of their total. After 27 overs, the Shireshead total stood at 18 for 7 and very much game on. Sam Conroy with 11 - 5 - 18 - 3 and Zak Buchanan 15.3 - 9 - 19 - 4 were the men doing the damage.

The last 15 wickets had now fallen for 33 runs. Jack Dodd then gambled on attack and made the top score of 14 whilst Joe Cunliffe (10 n. o.) received the benefit of some close decisions and batted through the innings to see Shireshead to victory by two wickets, so claiming the double over their rivals and gifting the championship to a jubilant Carnforth.