CARTWORTH MOOR 114 ALL OUT – SHELLEY 224–8
Shelley won by 110 runs
Shelley CC 2nd XI lifted the Huddersfield Premier Cricket League Earnshaw Cup with a convincing 110-run victory over Cartworth Moor CC 2nd XI in Sunday's final.
The final was staged at one of the most picturesque venues in the league. Sitting at 1,014 feet above sea level, Cartworth Moor is one of the highest cricket grounds in England, with breathtaking views across the beautiful Holme Valley and beyond. The ground has been the club's home for more than 138 years, providing a spectacular setting for the Earnshaw Cup showpiece.
Shelley won the toss and elected to bat, posting an imposing 224 for 8 from their 45 overs.
After losing Tiger Payne for two, Jake Newman and Ellis Mellor helped steady the Shelley innings before both departed with the score on 49 and 50 respectively. The platform was then laid by Adam Green, who produced the innings' outstanding contribution with 62 from 56 balls, striking five fours and four sixes.
Green was well supported by Daniel Steers, who made 31 while Harry Stubbs finished unbeaten on 39. Alex Kilner added 17 and Cameron France was unbeaten on seven as Shelley reached 224 for 8.
Cartworth Moor's bowlers battled hard, with Muhammad Mahroof, Shaban Sagheer and Muhammad Asad taking two wickets each.
In reply, Cartworth Moor struggled to build momentum. Early wickets left them 30 for two, and although there was some resistance through the middle order, Shelley's attack continued to make regular breakthroughs.
Shabs Hussain top-scored with a quickfire 17 from 13 balls, including two fours and a six, while John Addy made 13. However, Shelley remained firmly in control and bowled Cartworth Moor out for 114 in 31 overs, completing a comprehensive 110-run victory.
The key figure with the ball was Harry Stubbs, who capped an excellent all-round performance with four wickets for 33 runs from eight overs. Tiger Payne and Alex Kilner claimed two wickets apiece, with Harry Watson taking one.
Shelley's emphatic victory secured the Earnshaw Cup, bringing a successful conclusion to their cup campaign, while Cartworth Moor were left to reflect on a fine run to the final.
Afterwards Shelley CC Chair said 'Shelley CC are delighted to win the Earnshaw Cup , the win is testiment to each player on the day and others that had been involved in the lead up to qualifying for the final, a great spectacle of cricket! Thank you to all our supporters who turned out to cheer us on'
The match was officiated by umpires Malcolm Fortis and Roger Littlewood, with Jill Boothroyd as scorer.
