THERE probably hasn't been a more dramatic conclusion to the Craig Heaton Memorial Trophy in its 17-year-history.

Sir John Thursby had a fighting chance to win the Burnley Inter Schools Year Eight competition until Blessed Trinity's demon bowler Tom Ryland struck with devastating effect.

For Ryland took four wickets in the penultimate over of the fascinating contest as Sir Thursday fell 40 runs short of their target.

It was a fitting climax to a competition held every year since 1990 in memory of talented cricketer, Craig Heaton, who sadly passed away when he was just 21-years-old.

Craig played for Lancashire schoolboys and Lowerhouse Cricket Club were the competition was again staged.

The contest saw the eight man teams start on 200 runs and bat in pairs for four overs each, with five runs deducted for ever wicket lost.

Batting first, Blessed Trinity posted a score of 292 from their allotted 16 overs.

While it was an impressive total, it was certainly achievable, especially as Sir John Thursby still had wickets in hand going in to the final two overs.

But Ryland had other ideas.

Derek Carter, trustee of the Craig Heaton Memorial Fund, said: "The game was played by two evenly matched teams in a very good but competitive spirit.

"It was an excellent match and it looked like Sir John Thursby were going to pass Blessed Trinity's total until Tom took those four wickets in the penultimate over."

He added: "Once again, myself and Craig's parents would like to thank Lowerhouse Cricket Club for once again allowing us to play at the club and to all the teachers for their time in organising all the games."

BLESSED TRINITY: Angus Whitehead, Danny Shufflebottom, Harrison Price, Tom Ryland, Cole Hayman, Callum Hallinan, Andrew Hayhurst, Elliot Stackhouse, Patrick Mortimer