TROPHY STAYS AT RYTON ROAD

The Ryton Road men beat Marshalls in the semi-final of the Twenty20 tournament, before a thrilling victory in the final against Notts and Arnold.

The defending champions didn’t have it all their own way however, as they faced a tough battle to reach the final.

Winning the toss Anston had first knock against Marshalls and were in grave trouble from the off.

Lyne was out first ball, Pickering out second over and the key wicket of Perera in the fourth put Anston in the mire at 8 for 3.

Norbury and Long found it difficult but picked up important runs as the overs passed, Norbury eventually falling for 28 after being run out off the bowlers foot.

But the remaining batsmen gave great support to Long as he opened his shoulders and batted through the innings for an unbeaten 78, Anston closing on 120 for 5.

Marshalls scored 35 off the first four overs, but two wickets for Norbury and tight bowling from all the Anston bowlers turned the game.

Perera (2 for 15), Ruczenczyn (1 for 19), Long (1 for 27) and Pickering (1 for 21) all combined to help Anston scrape through to the final, Marshalls running out of overs on 109 for 8.

Anston again won the toss in the final and elected to bat, Lyne (14) and Long (26) making good progress.

Norbury played the anchor role with a critical 39 and vital contributions from Taylor (13) and Chris Pickering (16*) saw Anston reach a more respectable 133 for 7.

Knowing the wicket of professional Cooray was key to the game Anston were straight into the match as Perera took one of the most amazing catch, in full flight, to remove Evans for five off Norbury.

Two balls later Norbury had Cooray caught behind by Marsh.

Anston tightened the screw as Ruczenczyn ripped through the middle order taking 4 for 17.

Long (2 for 14), Pickering and Littlewood all took wickets as Notts and Arnold were skittled for 79, making Anston champions once more.