Hopton and Parish go for glory in finals

The Mirfield pair, along with Wakefield Thornes and holders Methley, progressed from the group stages of the competition and won through last Tuesday’s quarter-finals.

Birstall are planning the usual razzmatazz associated with T20 cricket including music to accompany incoming and outgoing batsmen.

Hopton take on Wakefield Thornes in the first semi-final at 10.30am, with Parish then tackling CYL Premier Division leaders Methley at 1pm, before the final, which is scheduled to start at around 4pm.

Sunday’s CYL winners will go forward to the area T20 finals, to be played on the ground of a North Yorkshire South Durham Premier League ground on Sunday August 2.

Hopton put paid to Birstall’s hopes of appearing on home soil on finals day by winning their last eight clash.

Bajan overseas player Neil Browne hammered 86 and Chris Scott supported with 39 as Mills compiled an excellent total of 209-4 at Birstall.

Nick Kaye led the Birstall reply with 54 but they were bowled out for 136 as Phil Scott claimed 4-11 to see Hopton through.

A large crowd witnessed a cracking quarter-final in glorious sunshine between Mirfield Parish Cavaliers and Wakefield St Michael’s at Wellhouse Lane.

St Michael’s posted an impressive total of 171-6 but although Parish fell behind the required run rate, overseas star Naz Hussain timed his innings to perfection.

Hussain hit an unbeaten 80 and smashed a towering six to clinch a thrilling last-over victory.

Wakefield Thornes overseas player Ravi Palliyaguruge proved T20 is not only a game for the batsmen as he claimed 3-10 to help restrict Carlton to 129-9, with Farrukh Alams (48) top scoring.

Palliyaguruge (38), James Wolfendens (32) and Tom Froggett (30) saw Thornes to their target at 133-6 from 18.2 overs, despite Jonny Hughes taking 3-18 for Carlton.

Methley ended Gildersome’s brave run in the competition as they batted first and made 177-6 before dismissing their opponents for 48 as the holders ensured they will be at Birstall to defend their trophy and bag the first leg of a potential treble.

Birstall will be serving breakfast sandwiches on Sunday morning and will also be running a barbecue.