Weakened Woodlands lose out in Premier League Play-off quarter-final
Bradford Cricket League winners Woodlands were unable to extend their season as they crashed out of the Yorkshire Premier League Play-Offs at the quarter-finals stage.
Woodlands are previous winners of the competition between all the county’s 2026 champion teams, but had to field an understrength side against Yorkshire Premier League North winners Clifton Alliance and went down by six wickets.
They were without six key players who had helped them to another league crown with all-rounder Brad Schmulian back in New Zealand and Mosun Hussain, Matty Weston, Henry Pearson, Muhammad Bilal, and Noah Priestley all unavailable.
They drew on six players from their successful second team, but the step up in class was tough for them against opponents who ran away with their league crown.
After the start was delayed the game was reduced to 30 overs-a-side and Woodlands were tested straight away after being put in.
With so many of their front-line batsmen missing it was a big blow to lose the vastly experienced Tim Jackson for four.
Captain Cieran Garner, who was pushed up the order to open, battled hard to keep his side in the game and went on top score with 32.
But good support was thin on the ground, with Scott Richardson (17) the next highest scorer and they ended their 30 overs on a disappointing 120-8.
Sam Grant (3-24) and Edward Burch (3-31) did most to restrict them.
With such a small total to defend Woodlands needed early wickets and their second team opening bowlers Jed Pearson and James Sawyer delivered.
Teenager Pearson bowled Josh Tynan with only his fourth ball. Sawyer (2-26) followed up with the wickets of Tom Fraine and Ed Wade as Clifton were reduced to 25-3 to give the Bradford League champs a glimmer of hope.
But those hopes were then extinguished as Burch followed up his efforts with the ball by hitting nine fours as he made 52 from 49 balls.
He put on 74 for the fourth wicket with Will Cross who went on steer his side home with an unbeaten 35.
Clifton reached their target comfortably with 8.1 overs to spare and will now be away to the 2025 winners Hoylandswaine in the semi-finals.
For Woodlands it is the end of another good season in which they again finished top of the league and also came close to cup success.