VIXENS were cunning from start to finish when they beat Fernhill Farm Stables 157-117 in the Pike Shield final at Bolton Cricket Club.

Winning the toss and, despite having only 10 players, Vixens started well, dismissing Fernhill for 60 with only one batter, Cinnamon Morgan, getting into double figures.

In contrast, five of Vixens’ batters reached double figures in a safe and confident reply. Shirley Tither top scored with 16 but Fernhill still managed to restrict them to 93, largely thanks to some excellent fielding by Emma Leece.

Three of Fernhill’s batters – Michelle Byrom, Sheena Berry and Laura Dobie –reached double figures in the second innings but against tight fielding they still only managed a match total of 117.

Needing only 25 for victory, Vixens should have coasted it but more valiant fielding – again from Leece – put them under pressure and seven players were out for just 12 before the final three saw them safely home.

Tither was top batter on 19, ahead of Sarah Cunliffe (17) and Maria Harwidge (14).

In the league, three teams – Darcy Lever C&SC A, Rupert Ladies A and Little Lever XI – are fighting it out for the the A Section title.

Future XI top D Section but it’s close for runners-up spot with six teams in contention for second place.

Wally’s XI are Section H champions with the next five teams chasing second.

Lord Raglan A, sixth in G Section, take on Sweet Green Dream Team who are second in H Section, in the Blackburn Shield final on Friday at Little Lever Cricket Club.

Any players wishing to play in the Interdistrict Tournament should email the secretary for details.