PAUL Berry marked his return to the Bolton Cricket League by helping his new side Kearsley to their first trophy of the year.

Berry, who had been playing with Northern League side Leyland, was the outstanding player in the League's indoor competition for the Anthony Axford Trophy.

He was voted man of the match in Kearsley's 25 run win over Farnworth Social Circle when, ironically, he was dismissed for the first time in the competition. By that time, however, he had made 31 and with David White going on to hit 37, Kearsley set Circle a target of 119.

That was within Circle's reach provided they could make a steady start but tight bowling and a hesitancy to go for quick singles wrecked that theory.

Circle found themselves well behind the run rate and only three successive sixes from Paul Rawlinson in the last over gave their total of 94-4 some respectability.

Kearsley easily accounted for Bradshaw in a one-sided semi-final, dismissing them for 59, White claiming two tickets for four runs. In their innings kearsley reached 120-5, Berry unbeaten on 55 and White 27. In the other semi-final, Circle beat Astley Bridge by nine runs. Bridge totalled 93-5, Potts 24 not out, while Circle hit 102-3, Eckersley 256, Rawlinson 24 and Wayne Green 23.

Kearsley and Circle now represent the League in next Sunday's regional finals which will be held at Bolton School Sports Hall at 2pm. Kearsley have been drawn against Ramsbottom and Circle will play Haslingden.

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