Wrenthorpe overcome Woodlands to book trophy final place

The Central Yorkshire League Premier Division leaders recorded a third convincing win of the summer over Bradford counterparts Woodlands last Sunday as they eased into the Black Sheep Yorkshire Champions Trophy final thanks to a 117-run success.

Gary Fellows produced another magnificent innings to set Wrenthorpe on course for victory over Woodlands with a splendid century.

Woodlands were dealt a blow in the pre-match warm up when overseas all-rounder Sarfraz Ahmed was injured playing football and only managed to bowl one over.

His replacement, Sam Frankland, claimed 4-49 but he was unable to prevent Wrenthorpe posting 258-7 in a game which was reduced to 42 overs per side.

Fellows hit three sixes and 11 fours on his way to 112 and shared a 90-run opening wicket stand with Dan Wood (39).

Woodlands promoted the big-hitting Ahmed to open, but despite launching one big six, he was one of four batsmen back in the pavilion as the visitors plunged to 20-4.

Chris Brice (48) and Steve Piercey (43) shared a sixth-wicket stand of 50, but Woodlands were dismissed for 141 with Greig Batty (4-31), Joe Ellis (3-13) and Tom Glover (3-39) sharing the wickets.

Wrenthorpe, who also dumped Woodlands out of the Heavy Woollen Cup and won a pre-season challenge match, will meet Yorkshire Champions Trophy holders Whitley Hall in a repeat of last season’s final at Elsecar on September 16.

It is the first time in the competition’s 36 year history that the same two teams have contested consecutive finals.

Jack Hampshire Trophy winners Wrenthorpe hold a nine-point lead over Methley at the top of the CYL Premier Division and meet Townville in a re-arranged Heavy Woollen Cup final at Liversedge on September 2 as they remain on course to win four trophies this season.

Whitley Hall booked their place in the final thanks to a seven-wicket win over National Village Trophy finalists Woodhouse Grange in the other Black Sheep semi-final last Sunday.

South African Jaco Castle, who was man-of-the-match in last season’s final, made 75 not out as Whitley Hall chased down Grange’s total of 193-7.