Smash hit

ARRON Lilley was in devastating form for Delph last night as Grant Jones’s side progressed to the quarter-finals of the Drakes Huddersfield League All Rounder Twenty20 competition.

Having won their first two group games against Golcar and Holmfirth, Delph were already in pole position to make the last eight as they headed to Marsden for their final fixture.

Thanks to Lilley’s superb effort with the bat — the 22-year-old smashed 173 not out off just 75 balls — the visitors clocked up an imposing 273 for three.

Lilley struck 16 fours and 13 sixes in a breathtaking knock as Delph ran riot, with Faisal Butt also adding a quickfire 56.

Unfortunately, rain came with Marsden’s reply stuttering on 13 for four, but the drawn outcome was still enough for Delph to top their group and book a home quarter-final against either Kirkburton or Shelley next Tuesday evening.

All-rounder Lilley, who attended Mossley Hollins High School, is a Lancashire Academy product who signed his first professional contract with the county side this year.

He made his senior debut last summer in a Clydesdale Bank 40 clash against Worcestershire. He still features regularly for Delph.

Lilley won the Huddersfield League’s Jack Gledhill Trophy for best all-rounder and retained the Roy Haigh Trophy for most promising young cricketer last year.