Longridge triumphant in Palace Shield top-of-the-table clash

Nick Wilkinson’s men moved 15 points clear of second-placed Lancaster after a terrific seven-wicket win at the Newsham Memorial Ground.

After being set 159 by their promotion rivals, the home side raced to victory thanks to a superlative man-of-the-match performance by Daniel Wilkinson Junior.

He struck nine boundaries and two sixes in a 55-ball knock of 70 as Longridge supassed Lancaster’s total of 158-7 with more than 12 overs to spare. John Simpson chipped in with 34.

Earlier, a tight bowling performance enabled the home side to keep a tight rein on Lancaster’s batsmen.

Charlie Swarbrick struck 48, while Ian Simpson impressed with the ball – taking 4-46.

Despite losing, Lancaster look secure in second place after Vernon Carus failed to take advantage at Shap Road against Kendal.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Vernons were reduced to 86-6 despite Mark Hardiker (38) batting well at the top of the order.

No.9 batsman Rory Kellett struck an unbeaten quickfire 40 to help Vernons recover to 184-9.

Kendal had no problem in reply as Lachlan Stewart (61 not out), Tom Aspinwall (54) and Ben Phillips (51 not out) all hit half-centuries.

Croston moved into third place after a fine home win over New Longton.

Ben Simpkins hit 39, but Sam Marsh took 5-24 as the visitors were dismissed for 164.

In reply, the home side cruised to victory with six wickets and more than six overs to spare. Adam Sexton hit 57 and Callum Mcilveen was unbeaten on 36. At the bottom, Torrisholme gave their battle against the drop a shot in the arm by beating Great Eccleston at Hall Lane.

Michael Rigby top-scored with 47 as the home side set Torrisholme an imposing 201 for victory. A brilliant unbeaten 82 from Daniel Woods saw the visitors home with five overs and wickets to spare.

Penwortham are looking nervously over their shoulders after they lost narrowly in the last over against Eccleston at Doctors Lane.

Ashley Billington’s men are fourth from bottom – just 10 points clear of the drop zone.

Jack Aspden hit a fine half-century and Ian Walmsley Junior contributed 33 as Pen closed on 178-8. Michael Robert Atkinson returned figures of 4-53.

Eccleston reached their target with five balls and one wicket to spare thanks in the main to Atkinson’s fine 56 and Wilkinson’s 41.

In the final match of the weekend, South Shore got the better of Thornton Cleveleys at Mad Nook. Luke Jardine struck 59 as Shore posted 142-9. Greg Tirrell took 5-24.

In reply, Neil Ashford took 5-37 as the visitors were shot out for 117.