Heavy Woollen Cup fourth round review

Posted: July 8, 2007

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Idle, who were beaten at the semi-final stage by Barnsley last season, put their poor league form behind them to defeat Saltaire by 34 runs to reach the last four of the Solly Sports Heavy Woollen Cup again.

Danny Shuffe (43), Javed Umarji (34) and Michael Allen (32) carried Idle to a total of 186-9 in an innings twice held up by rain.

Saltaire were restricted to152-9 in reply with their new overseas player Masood Asam Butt top scoring with 46. Off spinner Paul Cummins took three for 20 for Idle.

Idle will now play Wickersley who are playing in the competition for the first time. They reached the semi-finals with a 23-run win over Huddersfield Leaguers Delph & Dobcross.

Alex Hughes was their match-winner, scoring 120, the day's only century. Graham Higgins (54), also weighed in with valuable runs.

Delph and Dobcross made a bold reply but were bowled out for 208. Iqbal Zahoor (66) and Ben Cruse (39), were their top scorers. Andy Harrison took three for 39 for Wickersley.

The Central Yorkshire League's 'big two' Wrenthorpe and Townville are set for a heavyweight clash in the semi-finals on July 22.

Wrenthorpe, the defending Central Yorkshire League champions, set up the showdown with their old rivals- who defeated Esholt by 150 runs two weeks ago - by defeating JCT 600 Bradford League Division Two side Undercliffe by 143 runs.

Once again the Wrenthorpe batting line-up fired with Eric Austin (76) and David Paynter (59) guiding their side to a total of 250-5.

Undercliffe were always struggling in reply and were dismissed for 107. Darren Blenkiron was their top scorer but he only made 19. Left-arm spinner John Storey was the chief wicket taker with four for 20.

In the other semi-final Idle of the Bradford League will meet South Yorkshire League outfit Wickersley.

In the Crowther Cup, Keighley and Woodlands will meet in the second semi-finals. Keighley won a thrilling game with Birstall by one wicket with one ball to spare.

Alan Broadley made 60 and James Wilkinson (54) as Keighley overhauled the Birstall score of 193-8 with one ball to spare.

Birstall had built their total around the contributions of Richard Siddall (46), James Thompson (38) and Dave Hilton (34). Paul Wilkinson (4-40) and Jamie Robinson (3-47) were the pick of the Keighley bowlers.

Keighley and Woodlands will meet in the second semi-final. Keighley won a thrilling game with Birstall by one wicket with one ball to spare.

Alan Broadley made 60 and James Wilkinson (54) as Keighley overhauled the Birstall score of 193-8 with one ball to spare.

Woodlands proved too strong for Mirfield Parish Cavaliers. The JCT 600 Bradford League Second Teams Division One champions made 198-8, a score which owed much to the efforts of skipper Phil Walker (58) and Harry Smallwood (47no). Mirfield were dismissed for 89 as Walker completed a good all-round performance by taking three for nine. Richard Godfrey took three for 20.

Spen Victoria's hopes of progress evaporated as they were beaten comfortably by Huddersfield League side Shelley. Shelley set up a derby clash with Skelmanthorpe after a 105 run win

Openers Gary Eastwood (83) and Dave Greaves (59) shared an opening stand of 152. Spen Victoria were dismissed for 119 with John Ireland (39) their one batsman to impress. Chris Dimbylow returned the impressive figures of six for 27.