ELWORTH became the first South Cheshire club to lay their hands on silverware this season when their second team lifted the Readers Talbot Shield on Sunday.

Skipper Scott Elliott led by example as his team followed up last season's league success with a cup win, by sweeping away the challenge of Audley.

More than 400 people looked on as visitors Audley made the brighter start with some early wickets, reducing Elworth to 39-5. But the experienced Elliott (51) led the fightback, while 18-year-old bowler Ryan Jones smacked 26 runs off one over and number 10 David Oldfield smashed a maiden 50 off 28 balls, to haul their side to 194 all out.

The hosts piled on the pressure as Audley began their chase, with Elliott at the fore again. He returned 5-10 off seven overs, backed well by Oldfield (4-26).

A middle-order partnership between Tom Henshall (44) and David Titley (38) put the game back in the balance, before a superb diving catch by Chris Rowe dismissed the latter and broke Audley hearts. They were all out for 155.

Man-of-the-match Elliott paid tribute to his young team, adding: 'They just throw themselves at the ball. They're brilliant.' * For more information on Elworth Cricket Club, visit www.elworthcc.co.uk.