FURNESS CC claimed victory over Carlisle in the County Cup final to win their second trophy of the season, writes TOM REEVES.

Furness set Carlisle 136 to win in yesterday's final at Cleator, but the city club never really got going against their North Lancs and Cumbria League Premier Division rivals.

A late charge from Carlisle pro Justin Greaves did nearly set-up a grandstand finish but Furness dismissed them for 99 to win by 36 runs and follow up their South Cumbria Twenty20 Cup triumph with another piece of silverware.

Delighted Furness captain Pearcey said: "We are really pleased. Obviously, it was a tough game. I think Carlisle gave us a tough game. I think they surprised a few people this season. But all our lads put a lot of work in."

Despite losing the toss, Carlisle had got off to a dream start when Greaves, playing his last game for the club this season, took a wicket in his first over. Ruarirdh Barker then bowled Nathan Waterston and Mark Daly to leave Furness struggling on 27-3.

Greaves returned to dismiss captain Scott Pearcey and Henry Walker took a stunning caught and bowled to leave Furness at 58-5.

As Furness's New Zealand pro Seth Rance threatened to cut loose, he holed out off the bowling of Ben Davidson and the Rams ended on 135-9. Walker (4-31) took two wickets with the last two ball.

Rance (30) and opener Mike Gadsden (21) were the pick of the Furness batsmen.

Ben Davidson and Dan Gomersall opened for Carlisle, but the latter was quickly followed back to the changing rooms by skipper Marc Brown after being dismissed. Then the older of the two Davidson brothers and James Dawson went.

Daly did most of the damage with the ball to leave Carlisle 31-4.

Alex Raybould and Greaves added a further 24, but, as Raybould went, Carlisle were 55-5 - still needing 81 off 17 overs. Rance then edged Furness to the brink of glory, ripping through three in one over to leave Carlisle 60-8. With Greaves running out of partners, he took the game to Furness. He moved past 50 but holed out to long-on with Carlisle ending 99 all out.

Pearcey's men are also hoping to overhaul Workington in the race for the Premier Division title, and he said: "Workington have done very well in the league but, hopefully, we can push them all the way and beat them in the last game of the season."

* Full North Lancs And Cumbria League round-up in tomorrow's Evening Mail.