Stu Morris turned in a fine performance on Saturday to guide Crosby to victory in the Isle of Man Premiership.

The Marown all-rounder top scored with 24 not out as his side were dismissed for 128 at Castletown. Jeff Butler did most of the damage with 4 -20 to leave the Town in a very strong position.

However their batsmen struggled against a fiery Crosby attack. Dave Picken and Jack Rowlands both took two wickets, but the main danger was Morris. He ripped through the southern team with a staggering five wickets for just ten runs. Castletown were dismissed for 65, to give Crosby success by 43 runs.

Peel and St John’s made a confident start to retaining their title. They ran up a high 249 for nine against Valkyres at Tromode. Ollie Webster hit 84, Nick Hawke got 52 and Chris Langford returned 4 for 40.

Valkyres replied with 135, mainly thanks to Ryan Windell with 34 and Chris Nash’s 27. Dan Hawke claimed 3 -36 and Webster returned 3 -10 in what was described as “wicked spin”.

The match between Ramsey and Cronkbourne was delayed for three hours due to a flooded square. The overs were reduced to 20 a side and batting first the Douglas team ended on 129 for 8. Sam Mills hit a lively 39 and Tom Moffatt took 3 for 34.

Ramsey opened well and were well placed on 37 for 1 after five overs. Andy Ball made an aggressive 20, but with his dismissal the game turned. Alex Stokoe, Nick Wild and Mills all took two wickets each to pin down the northern side.

Skipper Rob Webber battled valiantly with 25, but the innings closed on 92 for 8. Cronkbourne took 20 points for winning, but Ramsey gained four bowling bonus points.