LEAGUE officials may consider a rule change for rain-hit matches in the competition after luckless Southowram bowed out on Sunday.

Dean Crossley's side appeared to have victory in their sights in the second semi-final against Thornton at Triangle when rain washed out play for the day.

The outcome was settled by a bowl-off and Thornton came out on top 2-1 to earn a final date with Jer Lane, who had earlier notched an impressive 97 run win over Premier Division leaders Blackley.

The final will now be held on Sunday, August 30 and organisers are looking for a new venue as a musical event is being staged at Triangle on that date. A club which sells products from event sponsors S & N UK (Scottish and Newcastle brewery) is being sought.

Halifax League press officer Geoff Wright, one of Sunday's umpires, had sympathy for Southowram who were 152 for two with seven overs to go chasing Thornton's total of 200.

"This is only the fifth year of the competition and we haven't had bad weather on the finals day before," said Wright.

"Southowram were ahead of the required run rate and we will probably have a look at the rules for future competitions."

Southowram and Thornton actually hit the stumps twice each in the bowl off, in which five players had two attempts each to hit the wickets on the square.

However, Mark Greatorex's hit for Rams was a full toss which didn't count, meaning Tim Belfield's strike was not enough with Nikki Hutchinson and Joe Blencowe having hits for Thornton.

Thornton had started the contest in great style with openers John Ashley and Hutchinson both retiring after reaching half-centuries.

A score of 200 looked useful but Southowram were well on course thanks to a half-century from Crossley and a useful unbroken stand of 54 between Neil Harvey (34 no) and Ian Uttley (16 no).

Jer Lane, a team renowned for their powerful strikers of the ball, piled up 244 against Blackley with the help of 53 from Johnny Lister and 67 extras - wides count as four.

Jason Gelder (four for 40) did early damage when Blackley replied but they had a chance at 109 for four with powerful Tom Greenwood (45) at the crease.

However, Lister dismissed him and Matthew Jordan took two wickets in the next over to leave David Townsend's men fighting a losing battle and they were all out for 147.