FARNWORTH were knocked out of the ECB National Twenty20 Cup in the area final stage on Sunday.

The Bridgeman Park outfit were representing Bolton and travelled to Cumbria to face Netherfield in hope of reaching the national final.

The hosts opened the batting with skipper Ben Barrow who hit 31. Bradley Earl then top scored with 48 off 25 balls to post 135 before the final wicket tumbled.

Kamran Younas did the most damage with the ball taking 4-22.

Farnworth’s response lasted 115 runs before they were bowled out – Jon Kerrigan top scoring with 27.

Skipper Simon Booth held no qualms in defeat as his focus now turns to clinching the Bolton League Premiership Division title.

Booth said: “We have no complaints. They were the better team on the day. They had home advantage and we pushed them close but it just wasn’t to be.

“Our attention now turns to the league. With Kearsley’s defeat on we have a really good advantage.

Horwich was a tough game on Saturday and they gave us a scare taking it down to the last seven balls. The wicket wasn’t brilliant for scoring runs on but we got over the line.”

With the first-team match finishing early, skipper Simon Booth was able to get back to watch the second team lift the Birtwistle Cup after beating arch-rivals Farnworth Social Circle in the final.

Liam Ashworth batted patiently as the Piggott Park outfit opened the batting, scoring 37 off 87 deliveries. Andrew Wareing provided the main base of support striking 26.

When Matthew Hicks (5-29) and Shujat Ali (3-26) began to turn the screw with the ball the visitors were bowled out for 143.

Farnworth got off to a disastrous start as both opening batsmen fell for a combined three runs, but third-placed batsman Peter Eccles steadied the ship with a knock of 38.

Michael Daley then added 49 not out while Hicks chipped in with 26 to complete the chase with six wickets to spare.

Booth added: “I got back to watch the second team chase the target down in the second innings.

“They played extremely well especially Matthew Hicks who was man-of-the-match taking five wickets and scoring 26 with the bat.

“Michael Dale top scored with 49 and overall it was a thoroughly deserved win.”

Results

Netherfield 135, Farnworth 115. Netherfield won by 20 runs.

Farnworth 2nd XI 147-4, Farnworth Social Circle 2nd XI 143. Farnworth won by 6 wkts.