Both losing semi-finalists rued good opportunities to progress as Broad Oak and Moorlands - favourites in each of their ties - booked their passage to this season’s Sykes Cup Final. Broad Oak bowler Alex Slack’s barnstorming opening withdrew Armitage Bridge’s sting with brutal efficiency and Skelmanthorpe let slip an immaculate start as Moorlands ruthlessly turned the tables on them.
Armitage Bridge 84, Broad Oak 88-6
Semi-Final underdogs Armitage Bridge rued a golden opportunity to make themselves the first non top flight team since Kirkheaton in 2004 to play in a Sykes Cup Final. In a twist of circumstances, Armitage Bridge will set the scene in August; the first time ever the club will host the prestigious final, but it will be Broad Oak who have the opportunity of their first Sykes Cup win since 1985. Much of that shot at silverware was down to a remarkable Bridge collapse where they lost their opening six wickets for only 27 runs.
A more focused approach could have seriously tested their Premiership opponents but Oak were ruthless enough when they needed to be. Alex Slack finished with 4-19 and removed three of the Championship side’s prized batsmen in an opening salvo that Armitage Bridge never recovered. Lower order batsmen Musa Ahmed, Jack Hinchliffe and Omar Shaffiq just about hobbled into double figures, but they were swiftly put to bed by Cameron Todd and Fletcher Coutts (above) who both nabbed two wickets.
The target of 84 was seriously undercooked and when normally stubborn Oak opener Dom Finn was removed on the third ball, Bridge perhaps for a moment sensed some ‘big game’ nerves seep in. Todd gracefully made his way to 24 to firmly put his side in control but the visitors displayed some nervous moments once he departed. 43-1 quickly transposed to 55-4 with some clear danger men in the bag. However, low totals are not often problematic to chase with the right application and despite a couple more wickets frittered away, keeper Alex Kaye (11no) handled the climax with skill and sangfroid. Oak’s 88-6 was enough to progress, although a much tougher proposition awaits on the same ground.
Skelmanthorpe 133, Moorlands 136-2
Jack Newby and Josh Megson thrust opponents Moorlands behind the eight ball, but Skelmanthorpe wastefully squandered an golden opportunity of reaching the final for the first time since the season they won it in 2010. In a repeat of the semi-final two seasons ago, the two teams, rivals for this term's Premiership crown, looked set for a mouthwatering classic. Newby carved 45 and Megson made 28 in a 79 run first wicket partnership.
Moorlands hit back with a crushing blow by removing both batsmen within minutes of each other. Skelmanthorpe were then savagely opened up as dangerous batsmen Kai Greig (7) and Prayash Kumar Singh (8) were sent back before they could impose any influence. Current holders Moorlands were merciless in seizing upon an gaping wound, with Nadim Hussain (above) and Sirajh Sajid unleashed into the schwerpunkt. The last four batsmen were cleaned up for just 11 runs with Hussain claiming 5-32 and Sajid mopping up with 3-13, as Skelmanthorpe were forced to defend a disappointing 133ao.
Losing dangerous opening Marcus Walmsley for 1 run had no adverse effect on Eddie Walmsley’s rampant Moorlands side, determined to lift the trophy a third consecutive time, last achieved by Meltham between 1992 and 1995. Shoukat Ali’s icy-cold 64 overhauled much of the total required leaving composed performances by James Rawlinson (39no) and Amogh Bhatkal (30no) to round off victory.
The final will be played at Armitage Bridge on Sunday 13th August (12 noon).
