Winstanley on the Mark for Meyler Cup winners

Mark Winstanley got Garstang across the finishing line in the Meyler Cup final

In a repeat of last year’s final, Mark Walling’s players got the better of Vernon Carus after winning the final by four wickets at Penwortham CC.

It was Vernons who won the toss and chose to bat first.

They made a very good start with openers Ian Dunn (35) and Adam Parker (50) batting well as they reached 86-1 after 20 overs.

A big score looked possible but they were pegged back by some good bowling from the Garstang attack.

Waris Khan claimed 3-27, while Danny Gilbert returned figures of 3-31 and Ian  Walling 2-20 as Vernons were dismissed for 149.

In reply, Garstang openers Michael Walling and Allan Cook took them to 21-0 off five overs early on.

However, both openers, along with Mark Walling, were out before the 20-over mark when they reached 67-3.

Michael Wellings (22) and Matt Crowther (22) held the innings together as Garstang reached the last 10 overs on 97-5.

However, Mark Winstanley proved the key man as he struck an undefeated 38 in taking his side nearer to their target.

Ian Walling was at the crease with Winstanley when the latter struck a six to give Garstang victory as they  finished on 151-6.

The day before had seen Garstang remain top of the Moore and Smalley Palace Shield Premier Division thanks to a six-wicket derby win against Longridge.

In a game of 35 overs, Longridge had batted first and made 162-7, thanks mainly to John Simpson’s 57.

He was run out by Ian Walling, who also took 2-62, with brother Michael claiming 2-31.

Garstang’s reply saw skipper Mark Walling lead from the front with his 51  helping them to 168-4.

Their nearest challengers, Fulwood and Broughton, saw off Penwortham by 47 runs.

Charlie Rossiter’s 87 helped Fulwood and Broughton to 196-7, Neil Patel taking 5-47 for a Penwortham side whose reply ended with them on 149-7.

Third-placed Vernons limited Eccleston to 137-9 before replying with 138-3, while Great Eccleston bowled out Thornton Cleveleys for 127 and posted 128-4 in reply.

Croston won by seven wickets after skittling Torrisholme for 88, while Freckleton won by six wickets as they dismissed Rufford for 98.