DEFEAT by Shireshead on Saturday probably put paid to Windermere's Westmorland League title hopes, but they shrugged the gloom aside on Sunday to skittle championship favourites Westgate out of the Hackney and Leigh Trophy.

In the league, Shireshead were given a flying start by Eugene Diatloff (20) and Colin Twiname (21) who put on 44 for the first wicket before both fell to Nick Lewthwaite's bowling. Lewthwaite (6-40) and Jonathan Cooper (3-55) then took a grip on the innings as the Shireshead innings lurched to 68-5 and were only held up by the stubborn Paul Yates (35) and a hard hitting Phil Oliver (25) as they post 127 all out.

On a pitch with very little bounce Windermere batted poorly. Oliver bowled Jo Stephenson for a duck in his first over and two balls later Ian Ledward (3-22) removed John Baines for two.

Only Andrew Wright (23) and James Cawford (28) made much impression, although Martin Thwaites (12 not out) and Matthew Hartnett batted with great resolve at the end to secure two bonus points as Windermere were all out for 109.

Sunday brought the eagerly awaited Hackney and Leigh semi-final against Westgate.

Batting first, the Windermere innings was built around the rock of Andrew Wright with a fine 61.

Further impetus came from Nick Lewthwaite (26) and Jonathan Cooper (46).

Westgate supporters were undaunted by a target of 191, but the visiting batsmen were unable to survive a vicious onslaught from Cooper in particular (3-17) well supported by Hartnett, Nick Lewthwaite and James Crawford. The run out of Peter Wilson with only 96 on the board more or less sealed a memorable home victory as Westgate posted 168-8.

In the final Windermere will meet Arnside who had a six-wicket victory over Shireshead.

Despite a 50 from Colin Twiname, Shireshead did not make enough runs.

Twiname received good support from Paul Yates (28) in a stand of 71, but the innings stalled and the last seven wickets fell for 25 runs in three mad overs. Slater (4-25) was the principal beneficiary of the calamitous slog.

Oliver picked up early wickets, trapping Slater and Ian Bullough lbw for ducks while Simon Moulson removed Matthew Brockbank (15).

At 23-3 Arnside were under pressure, but M Shepherd (16) steadied the innings in partnership with Adrian Lee. Taylor trapped Shepherd with the score on 69, but thereafter Arnside were in control.

Adam Richardson (29 not out) was proficient, but it was Lee's 69 not out from 91 balls which piloted the visitors to victory.

Lee had a fine weekend and also hit 56 not out to steer Arnside to a nine-wicket league victory over Silverdale, who had managed to make only 133-7 from their allotted overs.

First division leaders Westgate took advantage of Windermere's defeat to go 13 points clear by beating Burneside.

Batting first Westgate's S. Creed and N. Parkinson put on 55 for the first wicket. An inspired bowling change brought on Mike Curran who inspired a mini collapse as he removed Creed with his first ball then claimed the wicket of top batman Peter Wilson.

At 80-5 the game was in the balance, but D. Wilkinson turned things round with an innings of 51, including four massive sixes.

Westgate declared on 167-8, Curran finishing with 4-38.

Opening bowlers Peter Wilson and Wilkinson had Burneside in trouble immediately at 18-4 from 10 overs and they were eventually all out for 105.

Milnthorpe are challenging for second place after a comprehensive victory over Sedgwick. They restricted the home side to 157 then knocked off the required runs for the loss of just one wicket, Steve Bowman leading the attack with 67 not out.

Ibis were asked to bat in a bottom of the table crunch match with Heysham whose Andy Thomas (6-40) took wickets at regular intervals.

Thanks to Ken Coulston (35), Steve Huggonson (21no) and youngster Steve Robinson (22no) a final score of 118-8 was posted. Heysham also lost wickets regularly and were all out in the 40th over for 98. Only Andy Thomas (26) came to terms with the bowling of Steve Huggonson (4-24) and Dave Johnston (4-26).

Warton ran up a daunting 210-6 against lowly Bare, Paul Weatherill top-scoring with 66, but the bottom side hung on gamely for a losing draw on 100-7.

Kirkby Lonsdale took another step towards promotion from Division Two with a comfortable victory over Carnforth Thirds.

At 50-2 off 10 overs Carnforth looked set for a big score. The introduction of Barry Smith (5-16) and P. Pease (3-11) changed the whole complexion and Carnforth were all out for 98.

Kirkby lost their customary early wicket before destructive hitting by T. Blanchard (38) put the result beyond doubt, solid innings by both Barry Smith (24no) and Richard Shaw (25no) saw Kirkby home at 100-2 off 19 overs.

To complete a fine weekend Kirkby reached the final of the Milnthorpe Taxis Second Division Trophy by beating Moor Hospital. Moor made a good start reaching 82-3 off 16 overs, but again Barry Smith did the damage with (5-11) and, aided by C. Johnson (3-21), restricting Moor to 102 all out.

Kirkby then slumped to 30-3, but P. Pease (43) and B. Smith (20no) eased them through with six overs left at 103-4 for their first final in over 10 years.

Hackney and Leigh First Division Trophy, semi-finals: Windermere 190 (A. Wright 61, J. Cooper 46; D. Wilkinson 5-47), Westgate 168-8; Shireshead 145 (C. Twiname 50; S. Slater 4-25), Arnside 146-4 (A. Lee 69no).

Milnthorpe Taxis Second Division Trophy, semi-final: Moor Hospital 102 (B Smith 5-11), Kirkby Lonsdale 103-2.