Four-midable Farrington is the hero for cup holders

CHECKLEY continued the defence of their JS Sports Vince Lindo Twenty20 Cup crown with a comfortable victory over Hem Heath seconds.

- Chris Travers

Checkley took first use on Friday night in the round two clash and piled up 165-6 from their allocation.

Tom Carrigan top-scored with 41 not out, with James Abbotts (31), James Kettleborough (23) and Richard Williams (20no) all making handy contributions.

Nazakat Ali scooped 3-22 for Hem Heath, with Jack Jones chipping in with a couple of scalps.

Ben Pugh replied with 32 and Yohan Liyanage added 14, but Hem Heath were restricted to 89-9.

Jack Farrington helped himself to 4-19, with Nils Priestley and Deepak Dhapola sharing four wickets.

There was better news for Hem Heath first team as they won by five wickets at Premier A rivals Newcastle & Hartshill. Callum Leese's 4-16 was instrumental in restricting Castle to 95-9 from their 20 overs in the first half of the tie.

Jonathon Gidman and Joe Thorne contributed 21 apiece and Sachithra Perera scored 18 for the hosts.

Andy Whitehead struck twice in reply, but Zephryn Hunte's 40 not out was backed up by Liam Banks (18), Leese (13) and Greg Prime (12no).

Bagnall Norton secured a last-ball six-wicket victory over Whitmore in their meeting. Hosts Bagnall Norton were set 128 to win and saw Matthew Kenvyn (45) and Justin Mould (18) make early impressions.