Lightcliffe chase third cup win in five years

The first local cricket final of the season, in the Halifax League Sunday Section’s Rod Warhurst Cup, takes place at Rastrick on Sunday (1.30).

The 40 overs per side tie will be contested by Copley, debuting in the third team knockout final, and Lightcliffe, who are making their fourth appearance in the last seven years, having won the cup in 2011 and 2013.

Visitors Copley (181) defeated Old Crossleyans (127) at Standeven House in the first semi-final by 54 runs.

Lightciffe ( 154 for five) progressed to Round Hill by 19 runs after a much tighter contest against Northowram Fields (135 for nine) from the Central Yorkshire League.

The Bradford League team, under captain Bruce Lunn, will be considered favourites due their experience in finals but Copley will be very confident, having defeated their opponents by three wickets at home in a league fixture last month.

The umpires are Mark Orchard (Sowerby Bridge) and John Senior ( Clayton Heights)

Copley remain on course to win a Foster’s Halifax League trophy on their own ground for the second running.

They earned a place at Twenty/20 finals day, which they will host on Sunday, July 26, with a win at Blackley on Tuesday evening.

Craig Taylor’s side overhauled Blackley’s 151 for eight total with five wickets and two balls to spare.

They will face Jer Lane in the first semi-final - a rematch from last year’s Parish Cup final at the same venue in which Copley upset the holders.

Lane beat Sowerby St Peters on Tuesday.

The second semi-final will be between Bridgeholme and SBCI.

Bridgeholme won by three wickets at Triangle after the Grassy Bottom side had scored 143 all out.

SBCI moved past Greetland’s 102 for nine with five wickets and four overs in hand. Lightcliffe first team skipper Alex Stead, pictured on his way to 81 against Farsley last Saturday, will be hoping the club’s thirds can bring some silverware back to the Wakefield Road club on Sunday