Vernons on track after derby victory

Andrew Tate on his way to 44 for Vernon Carus against Penwortham at the weekend

The two clubs – whose grounds are within close proximity of each other separated by a train line – met at Vernons with the home side coming out on top by 28 runs.

After winning the toss, Penwortham skipper Martin Hewitt inserted the home side, but Vernons openers Ian Dunn (29) and Andrew Tate (44) got the innings off to a steady start.

Wes Royle added impetus with a fine knock of 74, which came at nearly a run a ball and included eight boundaries as Vernons closed on 194-5.

In reply, the visitors made a determined effort but none of their batsman could go on to make a really big score. Paul Hayton took a superb 6-34 as Penwortham were all out for 166.

Leaders Garstang made it four wins out of four as they were too strong for Eccleston at the Riverside.

Michael Walling smashed 82 and Allan Cook hit 46 as the home side closed on 230-9 despite Ian Bradley returning figures of 7-66.

Eccleston were then dismissed for 153 inside the 40th over, with James Maitland top scoring with 41. Danny Gilbert and South African overseas star Coen Oosthuysen chipped in with three wickets apiece.

Longridge are just two points behind Garstang at the top of the table after they also maintained their 100%record by beating reigning champions Fulwood and Broughton with four wickets and one over to spare.

F&B totalled 192-8 thanks to Amin Patel’s 49, while Ian Simpson took 4-34. It was left to Daniel Wilkinson junior (41) and Joshua Mullin (35 not out) to guide Longridge to victory.

The Chipping Road club were also victorious in the ECB National Knockout competition on Sunday, recording a memorable win over Northern League outfit St Annes at home.

Tom Howarth took 4-29 as the visitors were bowled out for 117. In reply, Joshua McDowell’s 39 ensured the home side  completed a four-wicket win.

Freckleton’s miserable start to the season continued as they were well beaten by Torrisholme at Bush Lane.

The away side posted 151 all out with Chris Parry finishing unbeaten on 58. Matt Jackson then ripped through the home card, taking 7-19 as Freck were dismissed for a meagre 93.

Croston recorded a comprehensive win over Thornton Cleveleys after posting 247-4 with Ian Dickinson hitting a brilliant century, while Sam Marsh scored 67.

Jonathan Driver and Suhel Gathya took four wickets each as Cleveleys were bowled out for 127. Daniel Howard top scored with 35 not out.

In the final game of the weekend, Great Eccleston were comfortable four-wicket  victors over second-bottom Rufford, who could only  muster 107 all out.