Ford hits top gear in Castle's victory

TON UP: Harry Ford hit a century as Newcastle & Hartshill booked their place in the semi-finals of the Talbot Shield by beating Endon.

- Chris Travers

HARRY Ford showcased his batting skills to send Newcastle & Hartshill seconds into the semi-finals of the Talbot Shield at Endon 2nd XI's expense.

The two sides delivered a run-filled last-eight tie with almost 500 runs being scored at Endon's Post Lane headquarters.

It was Castle who set the tone for the entertainment to follow as they piled up an eye-watering 260-7 from their 40 overs.

Ford was at the heart of that batting effort as he struck 135, which contained 14 fours and six sixes and came off a mere 99 deliveries.

He shared a first-wicket stand of 137 with Joe Wilson, who chipped in with 44.

And those foundations were built on by Jack Wilson (26) and Seb Smith (24) as Castle had plenty of fun.

Dako Vujcic and Dan Shelley shared four of the wickets to fall.

Endon, to their credit, rose to the challenge after the interval as they looked to secure a final-four spot.

Alex Bailey top-scored with 93, an innings which included nine fours and five sixes.

Dan Shelley's 44 and 23 from Jimmy Scarratt maintained the home side's interest, but they were eventually restricted to 237-8 when time was called.