BOLTON School first XI are the HMC T20 North West champions for the second year running after a seven-wicket win against Sedbergh School.

Despite a promising first-wicket stand by the Sedbergh openers, accurate bowling from Bolton applied pressure which led to a flurry of dismissals without big scores.

Good line and length prevented Sedbergh from generating any real momentum.

Liam Jenkins was the leading wicket-taker (2-27) but it was a good all-round performance in the field that restricted Sedbergh to 122-6 off their 20 overs.

Bolton lost England U17 captain Haseeb Hameed in the first over.

But Will Davidson and Jenkins created a solid platform from which to develop the run chase.

A 50-partnership between Davidson and Chris Brownlow then put Bolton in a strong position to threaten the Sedbergh total.

Thoughtful batting in the closing overs by Ben Bowers allowed victory to be secured with an over to spare.

Davidson celebrated his classy batting performance with an unbeaten half century.

Bolton now await the outcome of the competition on the east side of the Pennines before playing the final to decide who will represent the North of England on Finals Day at Arundel Castle on Friday, July 4.