SETH Rance was the toast of Furness at the weekend after leading them to two emphatic derby victories.

The Kiwi professional took seven for 17 in the North Lancs and Cumbria League clash against Dalton to help the defending champions to a 190-run triumph.

And 24 hours later, Rance was weaving his magic at Furness Park again, his devilish right-arm seamers claiming six for 13 in eight overs to lead Furness to the County Cup semi-finals at the expense of Barrow.

Rance demolished Barrow’s top order – including the prized wicket of Indian professional Kaustubh Pawar, caught by Nathan Waterston for one – as the Ernest Pass men slumped to 30 for 5 after winning the toss and electing to bat.

Only a defiant effort by numbers seven and eight – Ryan Gilmour (23) and Daryl Wearing (33) – added some respectability to the visitors’ total as they were dismissed for 104 in 34.2 overs. The other wickets fell to Garry Thompson (2 for 9) Jordan Buchanan (1 for 24) and Ryan Tyson (1 for 31).

Credit must go to the Barrow attack, who really made Furness work hard for their victory as they lost seven wickets in reaching 105 for 7 in 28.5 overs.

Opener Ryan Griffiths top-scored for the Rams with 27, with Waterston (15), skipper Scott Pearcey (13) and Lewis Gribbin (11) all getting starts before losing being dismissed.

It was left to that man Rance (11 not out) and Tyson (6 not out) to see Furness safely home. Wearing, Gilmour and Gary Collins each took two wickets for Barrow to ensure the home side had to fight for their victory.

Pearcey was delighted with the weekend’s efforts and believes it will stand his side in good stead ahead of Saturday’s Premier Division first-versus-second title crunch at Workington.

“They were two great results giving us real momentum going into the Workington game this weekend,” said Pearcey.

“Against Dalton we set a good total with all the batsmen chipping in then we bowled and fielded brilliantly. The pro was superb with figures of 7-17.

“Sunday was a great occasion, we started strongly and did very well to restrict Barrow to 104. Seth again was too good with 6-13 off his eight overs, a fantastic return.

“We didn’t bat great but managed to get over the line and we can’t wait to play our semi-final in front of another great crowd.”