JAMES Thornton’s unbeaten century helped end Kirkby B’s near 20-year wait for another Melville Cup triumph as they defeated Lindal B by eight wickets.

Thornton cracked 104 not out to guide his side past the target with just under two overs to spare, having put on an impressive second-wicket stand with Paul Tyson (67) following the early loss of Joe Alexander.

Hosts Lindal were made to bat first after losing the toss, but half-centuries from openers Robbie Hudson (52) and Rhys Studt (51) at the top of the order got them off to a solid start.

Tony Johnson top-scored for Lindal with 68 at number three, although none of their other batsmen managed double figures as Kirkby bowlers Mike Etchells and Paul New got stuck into the middle order.

Etchells finished with figures of four for 40 from his seven overs and New took three for 31 from four overs, along with effecting a run-out as Lindal reached 207 for eight at the end of their 30 overs.

Harris Woods made an early breakthrough for Lindal in the reply after trapping Alexander LBW for eight, but new man in Thornton set about leading the recovery, along with opener Tyson.

Mark Fullard eventually had Tyson caught, but there was to be no denying Kirkby a first Melville Cup win since 1998 as Thornton saw them over the line in 28.1 overs.