Birstall lose out in Wheatley Cup final

Birstalls Alex Drake sends down a delivery during last Sundays Wheatley Cup final against Carlton at Wakefield Thornes. Pictures: Andy May

Carlton lost opener Daniel Sampson, caught behind by young wicketkeeper Joseph Woodhouse off the bowling of Adam Holroyd

Gary Close came to the crease and produced a splendid innings of 80.

Close lost opener Darren Read for 19, caught by Woodhouse off the bowling of Alex Drake, but he then shared a 74-run partnership with Thomas Schofield to set the platform for a decent score.

Close fell for 80, from 81 balls, having hit 10 fours as he became the first of Sean Twohig’s three victims.

Schofield hit five fours and a six on his way to 55 and there was little respite for the Birstall bowlers as Richard Sykes made 43 from 33 balls and Nick Busby then clattered 27 not out from just 15 balls, including four fours and a six, as Carlton closed on 242-5 from their 40 overs.

Birstall’s veteran captain Richard Sidle tried to give his side’s innings early impetus with a quickfire 40.

Sidle hit 22 in an opening stand of 31 with Matthew Dyson (1) and was second man out for 40 off just 33 balls.

Woodhouse, who ended with three catches behind the stumps, then made 38, while Holroyd (18), Richard Hobson (25) and Sam Isles (35) kept the scoreboard ticking.

Paul Brook hit 17 at number 10 but Birstall fell short at 221 all out from the first ball of the final over as Carlton celebrated cup success.