FARNWORTH Social Circle are Anthony Axford Indoor Cricket Trophy champions for the third year in a row.

The Piggott Park men retained the trophy with victory over Eagley in a repeat of last year's final.

Social Circle batted first and posted 103-5 with David Tonge scoring 34 not out and Stephen Edwards 23.

The only bowler to take a wicket was James Richards, with the other dismissals being run-outs earned through some excellent fielding.

In reply, Eagley made 93, with Joe Baldwin top scoring with 24 ably supported by Louis Seigne and Adil Vali who both scored 12.

The pick of the bowlers was David Tonge who took 3-17 which, combined with his 34no, earned him the man-of-the match award.

It nearly was not the same two teams in the final as last year because the semi-final between Eagley and Bradshaw saw both teams finish with the same total of 86-4.

A bowl-out had to take place to find the winner, the first since the competition began in 1977.

After the five bowlers from each team had taken their turn the scores were level at 2-2, taking the game to sudden death.

Jordan Mason bowled first for Bradshaw and narrowly missed the stumps.

The next ball from Eagley’s Joe Baldwin was successful and greeted by cheers from the Eagley supporters as it sent the Dunscar side through to the final.

Baldwin hit the stumps with all three of his attempts.

In the actual match Bradshaw’s Jordan Mason made 32no and was well supported by Cian Dickinson who scored 22 before being run out.

Eagley's top scorer was Louis Seigne with 27no, Adil Vali scored 18 and James Richards 12no.

In the earlier semi-final FSC put Kearsley in to bat and they scored 93-5 in their 12 overs – all five wickets falling to run-outs.

In reply, FSC reached 94-3, David Tonge top scoring with 31no and Stephen Edwards 25no with Cameron Murray taking one wicket and the other two being run-outs.