Jeremy Batty

Jeremy Batty

Pudsey Congs and Woodlands will contest this year's Sovereign Health Care Priestley Cup final at Bradford & Bingley on Sunday, September 14.

Congs finally reached their fourth final in five years as they defeat East Bierley by five wickets in a match which took two weeks to complete due to the exceptionally wet weather.

Former Yorkshire off spinner Jeremy Batty took five for 38 as East Bierley, who resumed on 101-3, were dismissed for 180. Skipper Gavin Hamilton top scored with 59.

Congs reached their victory target with two overs to spare. Andrew Bairstow (34no) sealed their success by hitting a six.

Opener Adam Patel (40) and Babar Butt (35) were the other main contributors for Congs who will be looking to complete a hat-trick of final wins over Woodlands who they beat in the 2004 and 20o5 finals.

Woodlands will appearing in their fifth Sovereign Health Care Priestley Cup final in six seasons..

They thrashed Cleckheaton by ten wickets to avenge the two league defeats they have suffered at the hands of the Moorend side this season.

After rain delayed the start by 90 minutes, Woodlands won the toss and put their opponents in on a damp pitch.

It was a decision which paid dividends as Cleckheaton were dismissed for 114 in 42 overs. Their last six wickets fell for 20 runs. John Wood's men also committed the cardinal sin of failing to bat out their overs.

Opener Mally Nicholson (33) was top scorer for Cleckheaton who perished against the bowling of Safraz Ahmed (3-11) and Pieter Swanepoel (3-16).

Former Yorkshire opener Scott Richardson sped Woodlands to their victory by hitting an unbeaten 74 as he and Sam Frankland (36no) shared an unbroken first-wicket partnership of 116.

Woodlands overhauled the disappointing Cleckheaton score of 114 all out in just 22.3 overs and Richardson sealed their success by hitting a huge straight six.

Woodlands will have to wait to discover who their final opponents will be at Bradford & Bingley on August 24.

The match between Pudsey Congs and East Bierley will continue on Monday night.
The start was delayed until 5pm and play was only possible then because of the tireless efforts of the Congs officials and players after the ground was hit by a deluge an hour before the scheduled start.

There were large pools of water on the outfield and square and to get the ground fit for play was a major achievement in itself.

East Bierley will resume on 101-3 with opener Gharib Razak (37no) and skipper Gavin Hamilton (29no).