A BELLIGERENT 111 by opener Nigel Thirkell set up Linton Park for a comprehensive 130-run victory over Shipbourne in the npower Kent Area Village Championship final on Sunday.

Linton took control immediately with Dave Castle (42, includng nine fours) and Nigel Thirkell adding 62 for the opening wicket.

Nigel Thirkell was then joined by his son Dan Thirkell (65, includng 10 fours) and they added 135 in 30 overs for the second wicket.

At this stage Nigel Thirkell took control of an increasingly ragged Shipbourne attack. He smashed eight fours and six sixes in 102 balls, including his final 50 in 26 balls.

Linton confidently defended 258 with early wickets being captured, including a sensational one handed catch by wicketkeeper Craig Sands to dismiss the dangerous Andy Gillam (21) off Matt Large.

Dennis Salisbury contributed a steady spell (three for 34 in nine overs) which included two wickets in two balls.

As Shipbourne fell further behind the rate the pace of Mark Christmas (four for 10) accounted for the lower order as Linton ran out comfortable winners.

Linton’s next match will be in the final 32 with an away tie on against the Essex and Suffolk Regional Champions on Sunday, June 27.

The final is held every year at Lord's. Linton Park have won the competition twice.