Openers inspire Delph

BE CAREFUL . . . Delph captain and wicketkeeper Grant Jones is ready to pounce as an Elland batsmen is forced on to the back foot.

A TERRIFIC first-wicket stand of 223 between Irfan Zahoor and Bruce Cruse set Delph, from the Drakes Huddersfield League, on their way to the Romida Sykes Cup final.

Grant Jones’ side overpowered Elland by 140 runs to set up an August 8 showdown with Skelmanthorpe at Honley.

Zahoor struck 18 fours and five sixes in a superb 134, while Cruse hit 14 fours and one six before departing half-a-dozen runs short of a century.

Bilal Khiljee also added 53 as Delph posted a massive 342 for seven from their 50 overs.

But it wasn’t all good news for Delph at the weekend as their title hopes suffered a setback.

They lost by eight wickets at second-placed Shepley after being dismissed for 158. Warren Jones scored 49.