Cleckheaton’s double hopes ended by defeat in cup final

Cleckheaton lost their last six wickets for just 11 runs as they were bowled out for 116 in reply to the Pudsey St Lawrence total of 223-9.

Cleckheaton have only two league matches remaining as they look to retain the Bradford League Division One title, and they play York in the Black Sheep Yorkshire Champions Trophy this Sunday, so there are plenty of positives for the Moorenders.

However, their hopes of winning the Priestley Cup for the first time were shattered by a clinical St Lawrence display.

The Saints victory was set up by opening batsman Adam Waite, who top scored with a brilliant 94 and was voted man-of-the-match.

Waite was eventually dismissed six runs short of a cup final century when he chipped a return catch to Cleckheaton leg spinner Tanzeel Altaf, who ended with figures of 4-50.

Cleckheaton captain John Wood (26) and opener Andy Gorrod (22) were the only batsmen to get to grips with the Lawrence bowling as the Saints turned the screw.

Off spinner Steve Watts took 4-26 to trigger the collapse, which Richie Lamb completed by taking 4-7 in just two overs.

Despite defeat in the final, Wood is delighted at the progress his side have made over the last couple of seasons.

The captain said: “I am of the opinion that we are the best team in the JCT600 Bradford Cricket League.

“ Two years ago if you’d have told me that we were on course to win consecutive Championships, be in the Priestley Cup final and with a chance of being in the Black Sheep Trophy final I’d have been delighted.”