New Farnley Cricket Club have won the Bradford League Priestley Cup for the first time in their history after beating Methley. GRAHAM SCAIFE reports:
New Farnley batted first making a total of 254 with top scorers Mitch O’Connor blasting 97 Lee Goddard a stylish 54 and Andrew Hodd scoring a very good 47.
Methley, in response, looked to be cruising to victory wanting 70 to win with 8 wickets in the bank.
But a tremendous spell of spin bowling by Luke Jarvis turned the game on its head and saw him finish with 4 for 36 off his 10 overs, supported by James Middlebrook with 3 for 46 and some excellent fielding by all the team.
New Farnley, enthusiastically supported by their ‘barmy army’ supporters saw the club lift the most prestigious cup at this top level of local cricket.
It’s a major achievement for a club that some 25 years ago had their clubhouse burnt down on Farnley Park, losing everything.
From then on the club has restructured and recovered and progressed regularly through the local leagues completing now in the top division of the Bradford League. They now own their own ground at Lawns Lane with enviable facilities supporting cricket at junior and senior level along with the newly refurbished clubhouse and restaurant.
Seconds lose Crowther Cup Final
The 2nd team narrowly lost the Crowther Cup Final.
They suffered a major blow on the eve of the final, losing all-rounder Chris Blackburn to a shoulder injury.
Chasing 212 they fell 11 runs short at 201/7, with Alex Baldwin top scoring with 75. He was supported by Joe Suggitt with a competent 48.
Tight bowling by Woodlands proved to be the major factor in the game but New Farnley twos can hold their heads up high with a great effort and they still could win the league, being just two points behind the leaders with two games left to play this season.