CHERRY Tree U11s turned on the style to win the Arthur Shaw Shield – and will now go onto the county stage to represent the Ribblesdale League for the first time since most of their players were born.

The Preston Old Road Club’s young side, known as the Tigers, were dominant in the final and as a reward for their efforts they will now go an fly the flag for the league in the Lancashire Cricket Board pairs competition.

In that showpiece they will face either the Wigan League or the Palace Shield and it will be the first time since 2002 that Cherry have won through to take that honour.

As in most U11 cricket, teams are made up of eight players who bat in pairs for four overs each with runs being lost for each wicket to fall.

Great Harwood Hawks won the toss at Preston Old Road and put the Tigers in to bat and the Cherry boys rose to the occasion as they really impressed.

They lost just one wicket in their 16 over innings and posted a score of 110 with man of the match Owen Elwood top scoring with 24 while Charlie Elwood and Jacob Procter both made 20.

That was always going to be a tough chase for the Hawks and they lost five wickets during their innings meaning they closed on 47 as Cherry Tree claimed the honours on a memorable night.

Proud team manager Rob Ince now wants to add the Ribblesdale League U11 title to the cup win and said: “I am really made up for all the lads.

“They have been brilliant all season - and it makes it better because it has been the same team for the past three years.

“We have watched them get better and better and I really believe they can go on and on to win more trophies.”

Meanwhile, Great Harwood Hawks U14s take on Clitheroe at The Cliffe tomorrow night for a place in the Ribbledsale League’s U14 Cup Final.

The winners of that tie will face either Read or Padiham, who meet in a derby showdown at Whalley Road.

That game also takes place tomorrow night.

Salesbury U9s and U10s are on the lookout for friendlies. Any teams interested in playing the Ribchester Road sides should contact Jason Rawson on 07909 682152.