England seal eight-wicket win in learning disability final

England's Learning Disability team have sealed a comprehensive eight-wicket victory over Australia in the final of the INAS Tri-Series at Neston Cricket Club.

Australia's captain Gavan Hicks won the toss for the 40-over contest and chose to bat first in perfect conditions, a decision that looked justified as he and Boyd Duffield raced to 80 without loss within 12 overs.

However, England quickly fought back as Duffield became one of three dismissals for England captain Chris Edwards (3-24), who instigated a collapsed to 94 for 5.

Hicks kept his team in the hunt as he top-scored with 77 to help Australia post 165 all out. Alex Jervis was again in the wickets, going for only nine runs in his eight overs while picking up two wickets.

Dan Bowser and Edwards broke the back of the reply with a partnership of 123 for the second wicket. Edwards fell for 42 but Bowser steered England home to victory with an unbeaten 93 at better than a run a ball.

The competition, which also features South Africa, now switches to T20 format with all three sides playing at Toft Cricket Club tomorrow.