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Posted: July 21, 2007

 

Loku Dilhara

 

Idle have been dealt two body blows in the past 24 hours. They were beaten today by Wickersley in the Solly Sports Heavy Woollen Cu, a defeat whioch followed hot on the heels of the news of Sri Lankan all rounder Loku Dilhara's departure.

Dilhara, who was named last week in Sri Lanka's inital squad for the first Twenty/20 World Cup, stunned club officials by announcing his departure.

It is a huge setback for Idle who are currently bottom of the JCT 600 Bradford League Division One and his loss was clearly felt as they went down by 81 runs to Wickersley.

It was the second successive year in which Idle have lost at the semi-final stage. Last year they went down narrowly to Barnsley in a high-scoring game, but this time they were well beaten.

Wickersley made 102-8 in their 50 overs with H Jahangir making 97. Neil Nicholson was the most successful Idle bowler with three for 46.

Idle lost wickets steadily in reply and were dismissed for 111 as A Harrison took three for 29 and G Higgins (3-31). Wickersley, playing in the competition for the first time, will now play Central Yorkshire League champions Wrenthorpe in the final.

Dilhara's departure comes at a time when he was just beginning to show good all round form and his absence leaves a hole in the Idle side.

Skipper Mark Nicklin said: "It is a big blow for us. Losing your overseas player isn't good at any time and it certainly isn't helpful in our position.

"We knew he would probably have to return home at some time to prepare for the Twenty/20 World Cup, but his decision to go now was a surprise. It appears he was unhappy about his accommodation among other things and decided to leave.

"We now have to overcome his loss and concentrate on the fight to preserve our Division One status. That is our number one objective, although reaching the Heavy Woollen Cup would be a big thing for the club.

"We already knew we faced a tough test against Wickersley and the size of that task has increased with Dilhara's departure."