AN unbeaten 94 from South African AP van Aswegan took double-chasing Dalton to a crushing nine-wicket victory over Workington in the final of the Sowerby Cup at Furness Park. 

van Aswegan’s match-winning knock followed his four wickets in a nine-over spell that knocked the heart out of the Workington innings. 

And to cap a great weekend for the club the cup triumph came the day after a four-wicket win at Ulverston strengthened their hold on top spot in the first division of the North Lancs and Cumbria League. 

In front of a sizeable Furness Park crowd Workington won the toss and decided to bat. After losing an early wicket, the rest of the top order, Whinn, 39, Miller, 20, and Pearce, 22, made a steady recovery and with 70 for 2 on the board, a good total seemed possible. 

But then van Aswegan joined the Dalton attack and Workington found themselves in deep trouble as they tried to cope with the leg-spin of the South African. 

His four wickets in his 9 overs, turned the match Dalton’s way and, despite a stubborn and determined ninth wicket stand by McKeown, 23, and Chisnall, 20 not out, Workington were restricted to a respectable but very reachable 142 for 9. 

Dalton's ground fielding and catching provided admirable support and a great boost in confidence for the bowlers.

 After tea, the Dalton openers set about their challenge in an attacking style and when Hargreaves went for 27, Marc Johnson joined Van Aswegan who from the word go, had severely punished the bad ball.

 Dalton reached their match-winning target without any further loss and cantered to victory in the 33rd over.

League secretary, Colin Bickerstaffe thanked both teams for giving us an interesting game and the Furness Club for once again hosting a final in such an excellent manner, both on and off the field.

League president  Robin Dunn then presented the Sowerby Cup to Dalton skipper, Danny Sharpe and medals to both teams. Mementos were also presented to the umpires and scorers.

Calvin Savage the Furness professional was the man of the match adjudicator, and not surprisingly, he presented the award to Dalton's J.P. Van Aswegan. 

Dalton now turn their attention to their big promotion push and a return to the Premier Division. 

The club are already enjoying a season to remember - the second team have won their division and the midweek XI were pipped in their own final so a league title to go with the Sowerby Cup would be the icing on the cake.

 “We have three games left and are 14 points clear at the top so if we win two of those last three we will be champions,” explained secretary Harry Dagger. 

But he did offer a word of caution, adding: “It would be great to get back into the top division after five or more years away but their is only one promotion place available so we are taking nothing for granted.”