GREENMOUNT recovered from 1-2 to chase down 217 against Royton in Sunday’s Derek Kay First XI Cup final at Monton, with captain Andy Bowker admitting: “I held back a few tears if I’m honest.”

The GMCL Premier Division side secured an emotional six-wicket triumph to secure a crown named after their late club stalwart, who died in January 2015.

Kay played for the club from the 1960s to the late 1990s, captaining at Brandlesholme Road along the way.

Kay’s sons Neil and Martin, who are still involved at Greenmount, and his daughter watched 18-year-old Owen Feakes – a wicketkeeper like Kay – hit a brilliant 78 off 99 balls to lead the recovery against the Division One side from Oldham.

Feakes picked the perfect time to post his highest first-team score, sharing 172 for the third wicket with Ryan Senior, who was excellent for 69 off 111 as the win was secured with 7.3 overs remaining.

“Derek’s family were there – Derek’s two lads and his daughter – and were in and around us all day, as all our families were,” said Bowker, speaking immediately after lifting the trophy.

“When we were pretty much home and dry. there was an awful lot of emotion flying around. I suspect a few tears might come out when we get back to the club to celebrate.”

New-ball seamer Cameron Smith claimed three wickets, Lewis Dove two and Senior and Indian professional Kaustub Pawer, who later fell early with the bat, one apiece.

Royton pro Chirag Khurana posted 132, with only three others reaching double figures and nobody bettering 21 as they were bowled out with 7.5 overs unused.

“As always, I lost the toss. I’ve not won a toss for two months! That puts us on the back foot a bit,” said Bowker.

“Their professional has batted incredibly well, but they didn't have anything at the other end.

“We came off at half time thinking ‘He’s got 130 and they should have been around 260’.

“Still, chasing 210 in an amateur final is invariably quite difficult.

"It certainly looked difficult when the main man’s (Pawar) nicked off.

“But the way Ryan and Owen batted was absolutely incredible.

"They put 160 on, and we never looked like losing from there.

“I’ve been batting Owen at seven, eight, nine. But, with injuries and holidays, I thought it was time to promote him.

“He’s batted three for the last three or four weeks, and I’ve always wanted to give young lads a chance. It’s not about me at 36 going in and stodging away. Those lads aren't learning anything.

“On the biggest stage in league cricket we play, he rose to the challenge.”

On Greenmount’s display in the field, Bowker said: “With their pro going well and only four men allowed out of the ring, it was very difficult to keep him quiet.

“Our pro has bowled very well, as did Cameron. But there were three run outs, two of which involved their pro. He’s chucked a couple of his mates under the bus, and that might have been the difference.”

Greenmount’s next aim is to avoid relegation from the Premier Division. With six games to go, they are two points clear of second-bottom Heywood.

Bowker added: “If we put in performances like Sunday for the next six or seven weeks, we’ll stay up – and comfortably.”