Workington won a thrilling Under-15 County Cup Northern final against Penrith Gold by just two runs.

The overall County final leads into a national competition and Workington now meet the winners from the south of the County in that final.

On a glorious evening in Penrith, Workington won the toss and elected to bat. Jake Daniel, who went on to retire on 50 and Josh Burns (27) put on 79 for the first wicket in 11 overs, at which point a total in excess of 140 looked on the cards.

However, a fine spell of spin bowling from Matthew Clark (4 overs for 10 runs) helped to apply the brakes.

Clark was backed up well by Sam Sharp (2-12) Ben Sharp (1-22) and Glen Atkinson (2-14) as Workington’s innings closed on 111-5.

Workington then set about defending this total and after eight overs had taken three Penrith wickets for 31 runs, including that of the dangerous Glenn Atkinson.

Ryan Martin and Matthew Clark then put on 30 for the fourth wicket although the home team were always a little behind the required run rate.

With four overs left and six wickets in hand 32 runs were required. By the final over Penrith were still in the hunt needing ten to win with three wickets left.

A four from Clark off the first ball of the final over took the scores even closer before Andrew Ireland bowled him next ball for an excellent 39.

A further two wickets fell in the remainder of the over, including a run out on the final ball as Penrith were left two runs adrift. Ireland (3-16) and Nathan Graham (2-17) headed the Workington bowling figures.

The batsmen featured are Jake Daniel (top) of Workington and Natthew Clark of Keswck.

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