HANGING Heaton's hopes of reaching the Priestley Shield final were dashed last Sunday as they lost by eight wickets to Cleckheaton at Bennett Lane.
Cleckheaton will have home advantage in the final, as they meet double-chasing East Bierley on Sunday September 7 at Moorend.
Although Franny Nelson (28) top scored for Heaton, they were bowled out for 129 by last season's Division Two champions, wh
o had Ian Gatenby (3-33), Marcus Walmsley (2-8) and Dean Worrall (2-25) in form.
Cleckheaton cruised to their target with almost 15 overs to spare as Marcus Walmsley (57no) and Russell Noble (40no) produced an impressive unbroken third-wicket stand.
Bierley, seeking to retain the double, were given a huge scare by second division Gomersal before progressing to a fifth successive Shield final. Gomersal spinner Craig Woodhead (4-34) had Bierley in trouble on a rain-affected wicket, while Matthew Hirst (3-27) supported as the home side were 139 all out in 49 overs.
That Bierley managed to reach 139 was only thanks to 2006 Shield final man-of-the-match Arron Brook, who top scored with 31.
Former East Bierley player Paul Huddlestone led Gomersal's reply with 32 but they were bowled out for 91 as Bierley completed a 48-run win with Dan Abbott (4-34) and John Glover (3-15) doing most of the damage.
