Hackney & Leigh Trophy Semi-Final: Westgate ease to victory over Shireshead

Shireshead won the toss and elected to bat first, and Westgate’s opening bowlers struck twice in the powerplay – Dylan Conroy (2-12) and Zak Buchanan (2-21) dismissing Tom Jacques (4) and Joe Cunliffe (5).

Sam Conroy (2-17) was Andy Hill’s first change, and he cleaned up Adam Murphy (5) and Ernie Collinson in the second over of his spell. Hill brought himself on at the other end, and he dismissed Jake Agar (1) – leaving Shireshead in trouble at 31-5 after eight overs.

Dave Jack (39) and Rob Jacques (11) added 30 for the sixth wicket before Jacques was dismissed by Dylan Conroy in the 13th over.

Jack caused Westgate problems, partly because of a couple of chances that weren’t taken. He was dropped for a second time in the 15th over by wicket-keeper Chris Carter.

Just before he was dismissed, Jack fired two big sixes over long on, and he was caught by Dylan Conroy when he attempted his fifth six in his innings.

The final two wickets fell for 19 runs, with Jacob Vaughan (2-11) dismissing Joe Oliver (6) and Jack Cunnington (8) as Shireshead finished up on 101-9.

Craig Buchanan (10) and Huntington opened up for Westgate, and they had a steady start – posting 28 for the first wicket. Buchanan was first to go in the fifth over – bowled by Cunnington (1-22).

Frith came in at three and the in-form batsman hit the ball to all parts as he made 42 not out from 34 balls, in an innings that included seven fours and one six.

Frith and Huntington were not far off getting Westgate over the line, but the latter was out LBW to Joe Oliver (1-14) meaning that they were 100-2 when the duo’s partnership was broken.

Joe Bradshaw (4*) hit the winning runs, hitting the ball straight past Oliver to the sightscreens.