Cup joy for Barkisland

The opening batsman hit 86 to help his side to a comfortable 45-run win in the Spenser Wilson Halifax League’s third teams’ final at Rastrick.

In contrast to last year’s prolonged final at the same venue, won eventually by Copley against Lightcliffe, the weather was fine and around 150 spectators attended.

Barkisland batted first and Finch, who went on to take the man of the match award, helped his team off to a solid start.

Opening partner Alex Shelton made 28 and number three Antony Nicholson hit 24 to set the Woodfield side up for a late assault.

Omar Hussain picked up three wickets for Blackley but his eight overs went for 50 runs as Barkisland posted 180 for nine off their 40 overs.

Blackley’s stand-in skipper Gary Clarke led his side’s reply with 60 but he lost two partners with the score on 14 and a third on 27.

At 66 for five Blackley appeared to be chasing a lost cause but they did rally to get closer than anticipated. Shelton collected three late wickets and Clarke was the last man out, bowled by Adam Scott.

Victory continued Barkisland’s run of success in knockout competitions. The firsts and seconds both won their Huddersfield League competitions in 2015 and the seconds are hot on the trail of a repeat Padock Shield triumph.

They also won yesterday, beating visitors Kirkburton by 45 runs in the semi-final.

Ben Westbrook (49), Jamie Colman (33) and number 10 Charles Cocking (23 no) helped them to 175 all out.

Kirkburton were limited to 130 in reply with Westbrook (four for 32) and Cocking (three for 26) completing a good day’s work.

Barkisland will play the winners of next Sunday’s Clayton West versus Scholes contest in the final.