NETHERFIELD now stand at the top of the 40 over cup group after their latest victory came against Morecambe.

The Cumbrian side defeated the visitors by just four runs in the battle for the top spot at Parkside Road.

Both clubs had already qualified for the next stage of the competition but still served up a thrilling contest.

Theo Gallagher stood out during the game as the match winner after his second innings figures of 5-13 restricted Morecambe.

They closed on 173-9 off their 40 overs.

Netherfield had earlier posted a competitive total of 177-6 with Finlay Richardson posting a knock of 43 while Brad Earl batted well for 40.

However, during the second innings, the game went down to the wire thanks to the last pairing of Graeme Cassidy and Tommy Clough.

The two managed to pull their team into a winning position, before Netherfield held on for victory.

Netherfield, who had just come off their derby day win over Kendal, won the toss and elected to bat first.

In the earlier stages of the match, Captain Ben Barrow was in good form, scoring 28 off 38 ball.

Netherfield reached 35-2 thanks to a partnership between Brad Earl and Tom Anderton, however Morecambe broke through after Anderton picked out Jamie Heywood off the bowling of Kieran Moffat.

Earl and Finlay Richardson batted well as they both pushed Netherfield into a strong position at 106-4.

Morecambe did claim the wicket off Richardson who fell for 43 when he was picked out Cassidy from Clough's delivery, as Netherfield closed on 177-6. The visitors made an imposing start to the second innings when Jamie Heywood and Luke Pearson posted a first wicket stand of 50.

Netherfield ripped through the visitors who collapsed onto 66-3, before recovering to stand on the verge of a win.

After looking likely to win after the final pairing hit out with fours and sixes, Netherfield held their ground and in the final overs with some tight bowling restricting the opposition who fell just short in their fightback in a thrilling finale between two top sides.