THE Moore and Smalley Palace Shield Cricket League's junior section travelled to Timperley to take on South Manchester for their first ever game in the Michael Roche Inter-League Trophy for U15s and came away with a one-run victory after an exciting game.

The Palace Shield side won the toss and batted first and, after losing an early wicket, reached a total of 149 for 6 thanks to steady batting throughout.

Neil Edleston (Penwortham) top scored with a splendid 41.

South Manchester started well against some nervous bowling but were pegged back by excellent spells from Robert Kidd (Fulwood and Broughton) and Neil Edelston who finished with 1 for 17 and 2 for 15 respectively off their 8 overs.

The Manchester side were reeling on 65 for 5 before some excellent middle order hitting brought them back into the game.

They reached a stage where only 18 runs were required from the last 5 overs but the Palace Shield out-cricket, which had been superb throughout, held firm the final two bowlers, Ian Stopford (Penwortham) and Andrew Furniss (Fylde) kept their heads backed up by excellent fielding.

In the next round of the competition, the Palace Shield side will have to return to the Manchester area for a match against the Salford and District League which will take place on Sunday, June 22.

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