WITCHAM were crowned Kirkland Cup champions on Sunday after easing past Little Downham in a gripping final.

Kirkland Cup

WITCHAM were crowned Kirkland Cup champions on Sunday after easing past Little Downham in a gripping final.

After coming through their respective semis the two teams battled it out in a nip and tuck final that was eventually won thanks to some supreme bowling from Witcham.

Little Downham started the day with a win over Littleport while Witcham come through a keenly fought contest with Haddenham.

Batting first in the 20-over final, Witcham looked in some trouble at the halfway point as they were reduced to 35-5 thanks to some superb Downham bowling. The arrival of Simon Cooper (27) and Glen Griffiths (21) at the crease shifted the momentum of the innings however, and Witcham recovered to make 110-8 at the close.

Needing about five-and-a-half-per-over for the win, Downham set out quickly and were in good shape as Phil Cornwell hit 24. A change of tact from Witcham saw them stem the flow of runs however, and Downham were reduced to forced singles as the innings moved towards the business end. Ultimately they were unable to find the boundaries need to keep their innings alive and they finished 94-6 at the close to hand the win to Witcham.