Results from Nat West Meyler Cup Final, Sunday 3 August 1997

Fulwood & Broughton - 159 for 9

Vernon Carus - 158 for 8

Fulwood & Broughton won by one run.

FULWOOD & Broughton won their first Meyler Cup since 1971 in a nail-biting match at BAe's Riverside ground last Sunday, re-writing the form books to defeat holders and finalists of the last four seasons Vernon Carus.

Fulwood captain, Adam Cooper, led from the front after his side were put in to bat, and his well-deserved 50 - made in only 68 balls - was the bedrock of the F&B innings. Cooper had looked set for a bigger total, but he was run out only one ball after his half century, thanks to a superb piece of fielding from Paul Hayton.

With the score at 129-9, Vernon were congratulating themselves on limiting Fulwood to a below par total. But 16-year-old schoolboy Jonathan Parker cracked a whirlwind 31 not out to help his side reach a respectable 159 by the close.

Parker was again at the heart of the action as Vernon began the chase, bowling Edwards for 8. Gunn had Hardiker stumped with the total on 26 and Vernon seemed to be on the ropes.

A partnership of 49 between Ingham and Bryning steadied Vernon nerves, and a quick-fire 39 from captain Martin Baker sustained the challenge as the overs ran out.

In a exquisitely tense final over Vernon were left needing 3 runs from the last delivery. Chipping the ball through extra-cover, No.9 Sharples ran two and turned desperately for the third, but Man of the Match Parker out-sprinted him to break the wicket and win the day amid a crush of players and supporters.

Figures: Cooper 50, Parker 31 n.o., Ingham 11-2, Ash 12-2; Baker 39, Barnish 27 n.o., Parker 21-2, Gunn 19-2.

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