SANDIACRE Town's third team claimed the first County League knockout trophy of the season, winning the James Harwood Cup final against Marehay at Mickleover on Sunday.

Marehay batted first and were immediately made to struggle.

Their first three batsmen were dismissed for a combined total of only 10 runs and it was soon 32-4 when Matt Wakefield followed.

Things were to improve a little after that for Marehay, with strong batting performances from Ian Bromley and Darren Hooley.

Bromley, the Marehay captain, battled to a 99-ball 50 before departing with 52.

And Hooley was still there at the end of the innings, with 42 not out from 36 balls.

Even so, Marehay had to be disappointed with their innings, posting only a total of 179.

Sandiacre's early optimism was briefly soured in their reply, with opening batsman Curtley Read failing to score before being dismissed in the ninth over.

But Read's opening partner, James Riley, soon began to ignite Sandiacre's innings.

Riley went on to top score for the day with an unbeaten 91, delighting his captain Neil MacNamee with a match-winning performance.

"James Riley's innings was simply fantastic," said MacNamee.

"He really was at the top of his game."

Figures for the innings support this, with Riley hitting 12 boundaries in an innings that spanned 110 balls.

He was well supported in a stand of 51 by John Murfin (27), while Matthew Harrop chipped in 18, MacNamee added 13 himself and George Domleo was 18 not out when the victory was completed in 39.5 overs.

MacNamee praised a real team effort, which he described as his best achievement to date as a captain.

He is now hoping that the club's third team can push on in the league.

They are currently joint third in Division 6C, although a 41-point gap to second place suggests that a promotion push next season might be more realistic than this.