AN unbeaten 73 from Brian Leckenby propelled High Farndale to a seven-wicket victory over Harome in the Feversham League top four trophy final.

The game was played on a glorious Sunday morning at Harome's ground, which was in immaculate condition.

Harome batted first and opener John Dobson was dropped on the boundary before smashing a six over the same fielder's head in the first over.

His aggressive cameo innings of 14 was curtailed when he was bowled by Robert Aconley and High Farndale gained another important wicket when Phil Marwood top-edged Aconley to Leckenby who, running in from the boundary, neatly caught the ball round his ankles.

Harome were 60-3 when Jodie Robson was caught behind off Bill Hague for 14 and worse was to follow when James Greenlay was caught and bowled by Hague for a single.

Darren Smith did well to amass 12 before Aconley caught him on the boundary off Hague.

Aconley came back into the attack to bowl Ben Durrant for one and the last wicket to fall before the mandatory 24 overs expired was Justin Palmer, well caught by Hague off Jim Blacklock.

Palmer played exceptionally well for his 35 and his 13-year-old younger brother Darren gave a glimpse of future potential in making 10 not out. His even younger partner, 11-year-old Josh Greenlay, ended on one not out.

Bowling honours for High Farndale were shared between Aconley (3-20) and Hague (3-21), with Blacklock taking 1-15 as Harome closed on 116-7.

High Farndale got off to the worst possible start when Kevin Wilson was adjudged caught behind by Dobson off James Greenlay for a single.

With Greenlay bowling very tightly, High Farndale's progress was rather slow, but Mark Aconley eventually broke the stanglehold with three fours in three balls following a change in the bowling.

Robson got his revenge when Aconley was caught in the covers by Justin Palmer for 13.

Leckenby survived a difficult stumping chance and a confident lbw appeal, but he soldiered on and was particularly strong with shots to the legside boundary.

Harome still felt they were in with a chance when Aconley fell for seven to a sensational boundary catch by Durrant off Darren Palmer.

But N Rider was a perfect foil for man of the match Leckenby, who ended the match in triumph with a huge six over the square leg boundary to end on 73 not out.

Afterwards, trophies for the season were presented by William Ainslie.