WALSHAW Sports under-14s completed a run of five consecutive championship cup wins in the Bury and District Cricket Association recently.

The team of talented young cricketers have now gone five years unbeaten in the BDCA cups – twice winning both the U11s and U13s trophies back-to-back and now clinching the U14s accolade with victory against Little Hulton.

Batting first, captain Tom Nally led from the front at Manchester Road before retiring on 38. The skipper was supported by Samuel Rhodes and Oliver Pilkington, who also both retired, against some talented Little Hulton bowlers as Walshaw posted a challenging 128-4.

A steady start from the Little Hulton opening pair of Pearson and Sultan kept the game in the balance, but tight bowling from Rhodes and Pilkington, aided by great fielding from the rest of the team, restricted the Little Hulton runs.

George Yates took two wickets to swing the final in Walshaw's favour and with Little Hulton requiring 32 off the last over, Joe Keaton bowled well to take a wicket and secure the win.

Walshaw manager Stephen Pilkington said: "I am immensely proud of all the boys' efforts over the season and thank the players from the younger teams who have stepped up when needed."

The under-14s, many of whom have also represented the club at senior level, are also unbeaten in the league this season, play their final game of the season at home to Adlington CC on Thursday where they will be looking to seal the championship title before moving to the new Greater Manchester League next year.

Pictured, back row left to right, are: Ethan Nelson, Samuel Rhodes, Michael Gracey, Jack Howard, Joshua Allum

Front row Joe Keaton, Oliver Pilkington, Sam Openshaw, Tom Nally, George Yates, Alistair McKinnon