HEATON won the Bolton Under-11s Cup final with an outstanding second-innings performance.

A thrilling showdown with Little Hulton went to the final ball before the Lower Pools boys could celebrate a memorable victory.

After posting a modest 81-7 – which equates to 239 in pairs cricket – Heaton had to deliver the bowling and fielding performance of their lives to restrict an excellent Little Hulton team on their own ground.

And Heaton responded in style with every player contributing to the victory with wickets, catches and fielding of outstanding quality.

Finlay Rennie took a hat-trick, and a final over of impressive composure from captain Joe Lightbown ensured Little Hulton's total of 110-13 (232) fell agonisingly short.

Little Hulton man of the match Ben Hamilton – who top scored with 39 runs and took three wickets – almost got the Old Vicarage side over the line, but tight bowling and outstanding fielding ultimately ensured Heaton's victory.

Coach Craig Vickers said: "This squad has been a pleasure to coach. The progress they have made from the beginning of the season has been outstanding.

"Credit goes not only to the eight who performed on the day but to the whole under-11s squad who have contributed to a fantastic season."

Fellow coach Simon Lightbown said: "We've won it the hard way, beating Westhoughton, Eagley, Farnworth Social Circle and Bradshaw in the previous rounds and then a fantastic Little Hulton team in the final.

"That final over will live long in the memory."