Woodlands Under-16s

Woodlands are the new Yorkshire Under-16 champions after defeating Pudsey Lions in the final at Headingley.

Woodlands were cast as the underdogs against the Lions, a team containing a strong Pudsey St. Lawrence contingent. Batting first, Woodlands Woodlands did not lose a wicket in reaching a respectable 104 for none.

Pudsey Lions looked well on course for victory before a middle order collapse was triggered by three run outs all credited to Scott Richardson, including two direct hits which deservedly earned him the man of the match award. Pudsey eventually closed their innings on 84 all out.

Scores: Woodlands 104-0 (Chris Walker 28 retired;Adam Wood 25 retired; Jamie Robson 15 not out; Scott Richardson 17 not out); Pudsey Lions 84 all out.

Woodlands had claimed their place in the Headingley finals by emerging unbeaten from their qualifying tournament on March 9.

In their first match at Headingley, Woodlands were drawn against the favourites for the competition a team named "The Wards", a select side dedicated to the popular Danny Ward, the 15-year-old son of Townville's Andy Ward, who died suddenly in October 2007, and whose grand-parents were present to award the Man of the Match trophy in the final, in his honour.

A game in which the fortunes of both sides see-sawed too and fro saw Woodlands eventually prevail by seven runs with three balls to spare. A direct hit by Scott Richardson claimed a run-out for the fifth wicket which ultimately proved to be the difference between the two sides.

Scores: Woodlands 114-4 (Adam Wood 55no; Jamie Robson 32no); The Wards 107 all out.

In the semi-finals Woodlands ran out comfortable winners against Olicanians with a consistent all round performance.

Scores: Woodlands 115-3 (Chris Walker 27 retired); Olicanians 78 all out.