STRETTON were crowned 40 Over Cup champions thanks to a 40-run victory over Rylands on Sunday.

Rylands reduced Stretton to 28 for 3 after an unplayable eight-over spell from man-of-the-match Adam Peters, whose three wickets only cost him 10 runs.

The middle order went on the attack though, until spinner Sam Mulholland curtailed their big hitting with 3 for 30 to help bowl the Division One side out for 205 in the 38th over.

Rylands’ run chase got off to a faltering start as they lost two early wickets, the key men from the previous day, Eddie Platt and Alan Brady falling for six and nil, respectively.

Graeme Rowlands then joined Richard Buck at the crease and the pair put on an impressive partnership which had Stretton worried.

Big-hitting Rowlands was given two lives as the Stretton fielders dropped catches, and he recorded 50 one ball before he was eventually caught in the deep.

When Buck fell for 31 Rylands were still some way from their target, but Sean Peters played a composed innings which looked like it could see Rylands home.

His dismissal on 40 though was a telling blow, and although Stretton were unable to take all 10 Rylands wickets, they prevented them from getting beyond a total of 165, which meant a 40-run victory and the presentation of the cup.