MILLOM CC’s bid to win the Sowerby Cup final for the second time in three seasons ended in defeat.

They were beaten by 40 runs by Workington A in Sunday’s final at Whitehaven CC.

Millom went into the game as slight favourites, lying above their opponents in the North Lancs and Cumbria League Division One table.

They also had special reason to win the competition for the second time as it is named in honour of the late Gareth Sowerby – a one-time promising Millom batsman.

And things were looking good for them when Workington were struggling on 93 for 7, with Graham Dawson and Paul O’Callaghan having taken two wickets apiece.

But a stand of 48 between veterans Simon James (31) and Paul McKeown (28) saw the West Cumbrians reach a competitive total of 160 all out after 44 overs.

Dawson was easily the pick of the Millom attack – taking two wickets and conceding just five runs in his eight overs. He was backed up by O’Callaghan (2 for 32) spinner Jack Thompson (3 for 34) and Aiden van der Vyver (2 for 49).

Chasing 161 for victory, Millom never really recovered from a bad start which saw them slump to 62 for 7.

Only star all-rounder Dawson, with 70, got to grips with the Workington attack as the St George’s Road side fell well short of their target.

Skipper Liam Hazzard took 3 for 9 and McKeown 3 for 30 as Workington – the first winners of the competition back in 2000 – won with ease.

Saturday’s North Lancs and Cumbria League programme was a complete washout, with the only issue being decided is that Vickerstown are confirmed as Division Two champions.