Delph power to T20 semi-finals

CRICKET: IN-FORM Delph powered their way into the Drakes Huddersfield League All Rounder Twenty20 competition semi-finals last night thanks to a comprehensive home victory against Clayton West.

The star of the show for the hosts was undoubtedly Faisal Butt who, having decided to play despite the death of his father on Sunday, smashed a super 82 off just 54 balls.

Opting to take first knock, Delph were stunned early on when they lost last week’s centurion Arron Lilley in the first over.

However, a third-wicket partnership between Butt and Kevin Hook, who scored 32, saw Grant Jones’s men take command.

Irfan Zahoor later chipped in with a quickfire 43 — including one big six which stuck a poor sheep in the adjoining field — as Delph eventually reached a challenging 198 for six from their 20 overs.

In reply, Clayton West were rarely allowed to even attempt to cut loose thanks to some excellent bowling from Lilley, who took three for 21, Matt Norvall (two for 10) and Butt (two for three) as they were skittled for only 76.

Delph’s last-four tie takes place next Tuesday evening (6.30pm) when they will again enjoy home advantage against last year’s competition winners Scholes.

CLL and Saddleworth and District Cricket League scoreboards in tomorrow’s Oldham Evening Chronicle.