Delph set sights on another final

DELPH can reach their second final in the space of six days tomorrow night.

Grant Jones’ side visit Broad Oak in the last-four of the Examiner Twenty20 Trophy (start 6.30pm).

And if Delph do win through, they will face familiar rivals Honley in the final on Sunday, July 27.

Jones said: “Although we’ve been without both Mike Smethurst and Kamran Mirza for the group games, the players who have stepped up from the second team have not let us down.

“Tom Wood, for instance, has taken wickets in every game and it’s a credit to those players that we are in this position.”

Delph will discover their Romida Sykes Cup final opponents on Sunday when Barkisland entertain Elland.

Micklehurst, meanwhile, pushed Honley all the way in premiership one.

In an exciting finish, they went down by eight runs to the reigning champions, who are seeking a fourth successive title.

Honley made 236 for six in a match reduced to 40 overs per side because of rain. Overseas player Dennis Lonergan took three for 57.

At 35 for three and with Lonergan in the pavilion, Micklehurst appeared to be heading for a heavy defeat.

But Quasir Rashid (36), Mel Austin (24) and Aaron Lilley (19) joined forces with captain Tom Whittle (45 not out) to put the contest back the balance.

Micklehurst required 24 from the last two overs, but Honley managed to keep Whittle away from the strike and so deny the Castle Lane club victory.