ECCLESTON reached the cup final on Sunday with a fine victory over Highfield at Wigan.

After losing their openers cheaply Eccleston batsmen K Smith 39 and M Manley 26 got among the Highfield bowling. A contribution of 11 not out from 'Bert' Ashton gave Eccleston a total of 117-7.

When Highfield came to bat they did not expect to be facing such a hostile and accurate Eccleston bowling attack. They never looked like reaching the Eccleston target and were all out for 89 with Alcock 26, Jump 18 and Mather 12 the main batsmen. Credit must go to all six Eccleston bowlers with Elliott 2-13, Creak 2-21, Burrows 2-21 and 'Bert' Ashton 2-11 from two overs the main wicket takers. But overall this was a tremendous effort from all the team.

Eccleston had to settle for a draw against entertained Merseybus at Bobbies Lane on Saturday.

Batting first, Eccleston amassed 156-8. K Smith again top scorer with 54. He was supported by A Atherton with a cavalier 23, J Parry 14, R Appleton 13 and J Johnson 11.

In reply Merseybus made a fine attacking start with Barnes top scorer with 49, supported by Dowling 41 and Doyle 27 but the rest of the batting could not match these and the game staggered to a draw with Merseybus reaching 143/8.

The best Eccleston bowlers were K Holden (4-49) with Creak (2-44).