By Noel Bullock
Alex Lilley produced a magnificent Player of the Match performance as his superb century guided New Farnley to a memorable five-wicket victory over Woodlands, securing a place in the Semi-Finals of the ECB National Club Championship.
Having won the toss and elected to bat, Woodlands made an excellent start through Muhammad Bilal (82) and Mosun Hussain (79), who shared a commanding opening partnership of 153.
Although New Farnley found themselves under pressure, they battled back impressively as wickets began to fall at regular intervals. Abhay Negi led the response with an outstanding spell of 3 for 49, claiming three crucial middle-order wickets, while Adam Ahmed (1 for 50), Gurman Randhawa (1 for 52) and Fletcher Coutts (1 for 63) also struck at important times. Woodlands eventually closed on a competitive 274 for 6 from their 40 overs.
Needing 275 to progress, New Farnley made a positive start before losing captain Aidan Langley for 19. Steven Bullen added 30, but it was Alex Lilley who took complete control of the contest with a sublime innings. Displaying immense composure and class throughout, Lilley struck 107 from just 94 deliveries, including 13 fours and 2 sixes, anchoring the chase with a masterclass in controlled aggression. He shared a vital partnership with Ryan McKendry, who contributed a fluent 46, before Ed Brown kept his nerve with an unbeaten 36 to see New Farnley over the line.
New Farnley reached 278 for 5 in 38.4 overs, completing a thrilling run chase with eight balls to spare and booking their place in the next round of the national competition. Lilley’s outstanding century deservedly earned him the Player of the Match award, while the victory underlined the character and batting strength within the New Farnley side against one of the Bradford Premier League’s strongest opponents.
The reward for New Farnley’s excellent victory is a trip to the Midlands, where they will face Smethwick in the ECB National Club Championship Semi-Final on Sunday, 23 August 2026, with play getting under way at 1pm.
Everyone at New Farnley Cricket Club wishes the players and management the very best of luck as they continue their pursuit of national honours.
Seconds are Priestley Shield champions
New Farnley 2nd XI were crowned Bentley Drains Priestley Shield champions after an outstanding all-round display secured an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Farsley 2nd XI at Undercliffe on Sunday.
After winning the toss, Farsley elected to bat but were immediately placed under pressure by a disciplined New Farnley bowling attack.
Mark Lawson struck twice with the new ball before Ed Denton produced a superb spell, claiming 4 for 21Â to dismantle the middle and lower order. Sam Barraclough provided excellent support with 3 for 26, while Chris Blakeney also chipped in with a wicket as Farsley were dismissed for 124 in 32.4 overs. Miraj Khan top-scored for Farsley with 72, but he received little meaningful support as wickets fell at regular intervals.
Chasing 125 for victory, New Farnley made the worst possible start when Jonny Phillips was dismissed 2nd ball without a run on the board. However, Jack Lonsdale and Max Chaplin responded magnificently, adding a match-winning partnership of 102 for the second wicket. Lonsdale played with patience and composure to finish unbeaten on 50, while Chaplin struck an impressive 44, taking the game away from Farsley. Following Chaplin’s dismissal, Denton added a quickfire unbeaten 20, ensuring there were no late nerves as New Farnley reached 125 for 2 in just 20.3 overs, sealing victory with almost 13 overs to spare.
The victory capped a superb team performance, with New Farnley excelling in every department. Denton’s outstanding contribution with both ball and bat deservedly earned him the Player of the Match award, while the composed batting of Lonsdale and the clinical bowling attack ensured the Priestley Shield returned to Lawns Lane after a thoroughly professional performance in the final.
Congratulations to the captain, players, coaches, volunteers and supporters on a fantastic achievement and another memorable day in the proud history of New Farnley Cricket Club.
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