By Noel Bullock
Sensational unbeaten centuries from Steven Bullen and Alex Lilley powered New Farnley to a thrilling 24-run victory over Driffield Town in a high-scoring Rothesay ECB National Club Championship Round 2 encounter on Sunday.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, New Farnley produced one of their most dominant batting displays of the season, piling up a formidable 320-1 from their 40 overs. The innings was built around an outstanding unbroken second-wicket partnership between Bullen and Lilley, who completely took control after the early loss of Aidan Langley.
Langley provided a lively start with 26 from just 19 balls before falling with the score on 51. From that point Driffield were left chasing leather as Bullen and Lilley combined in a remarkable stand worth 269 runs.
Bullen anchored the innings superbly, finishing unbeaten on 151 from 130 deliveries, including 16 fours and five sixes. At the other end, Lilley was equally destructive, ending unbeaten on 117 from only 91 balls with nine boundaries and six maximums.
The pair blended power and precision throughout the innings, rotating the strike intelligently before accelerating relentlessly during the closing stages to leave Driffield facing a daunting target.
Despite the size of the chase, the home side responded impressively and threatened to pull off a remarkable pursuit. Alec Drury led the way with 50, while Sam Drury struck a superb 77 from 53 balls to keep Driffield firmly in contention.
George Drury added an unbeaten 53 as the hosts continued to attack, but New Farnley’s bowlers found wickets at crucial moments to halt the momentum whenever it looked to be shifting.
Abhay Negi claimed 2-35, while Gurman Randhawa (2-61), Fletcher Coutts (2-59) and Ryan McKendry (2-54) all picked up two wickets apiece as Driffield were eventually dismissed for 296 in 39.3 overs.
Although the margin of victory was just 24 runs, New Farnley’s batting proved the difference, with Bullen and Lilley producing a partnership of exceptional quality that ultimately decided the contest.
Their unbeaten centuries will rightly take the headlines after a memorable afternoon in Driffield, helping New Farnley secure another impressive victory in style.
They now host York who beat the North Yorkshire South Durham League champions Barnard Castle by two wickets in the Round 3 Group Final on Sunday, 21 June 2026 with a 1pm start and surely Lawns Lane will once again be packed to the rafters with supporters from all over Yorkshire in attendance and no doubt the tills will be ringing on what promises to be a big occasion.
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