For us: Noble

at six an over from the start, which is never easy, and once we got on top we didn’t let it go as Chadders (Chadwick) and Josh bowled a lot of dot balls.

“We set that same tone in the quarter-final win over Honley and the semi-final victory at Hoylandswaine and to keep it going in the final, especially against a terrific team and batting order like Broad Oak, was a real credit.”

So what of the rain which fell as umpires Martin Armitage and John Beaumont debated, firstly, whether to start and then, secondly, whether to stay on?

“I think they (the umpires) showed common sense to get started because it did just stop drizzling and, under league rules, that allowed us to get on,” said Noble.

“It then came to whether it was safe or not safe to continue and, while it did drizzle and rain a little heavier on occasions, it was never not safe.

“The umpires did say at one point they were going to take us off because it was getting heavier, but the drizzle eased right at that point and we were able to stay on.

“I can understand why some of the Broad Oak spectators were frustrated, but their players seemed as keen as us to play and try and force a result, because no-one wants to have to go back night after night if it can possibly be avoided.

“From my point of view, it didn’t affect the result one iota. What Joe and Devon did in the first half decided the result and, like I say, it was safe throughout.”

Don’t forget, it’s the Fired Up Paddock Shield final at Kirkburton tomorrow (1pm) – Kirkburton IIs hosting Edgerton & Dalton Is. Scholes duo Devon Smith (91) and Joe Carter (105) shake hands as they lead off their team after the Sykes Cup final victory against Broad Oak and (below) Josh Brook (right) is mobbed by teammates after taking the last wicket. Pictures by Paul Ibbotson