Yorkshire finalists all set for UAE

PUDSEY St Lawrence and Wakefield Thornes are gearing up for the biggest game in their respective clubs’ history, after they both booked their trips to Abu Dhabi for the first-ever Yorkshire Premier League Grand Final.

James Smith’s Bradford League winners, Pudsey St Lawrence, held their nerve against Great Ayton at Headingley, winning by seven runs after a fine bowling display saw them defend 200-8.

Chris Marsden went for just 18 runs off his overs and Tommy Hudson took 3-28, but with just one wicket remaining and 13 required, the responsibility fell on Richie Lamb to keep Great Ayton at bay and he did just that.

“I am still struggling to take in what we have achieved,” said Smith. “Just playing at Headingley was an unforgettable experience.

“This shows what a wonderful concept Premier League cricket is.We realise that this is a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’ for us. It is an experience we may never have again so we want to savour it.”

Meanwhile Wakefield Thornes of Yorkshire South defeated Harrogate at Scarborough’s North Marine Road, No.3 David Toft striking an unbeaten 70 to see them over the line in a threewicket win.

Both teams will fly out to Abu Dhabi on October 22, with the day-night final at the Zayed Stadium taking place five days later.