CRICKETER James Noble has been hit for six by the generosity of his teammates!

The Scholes batsman is a key member of the Drakes Huddersfield League's Under 21 representative side which has reached the White Rose Trophy final.

The match against South Yorkshire is to be staged at Noble's home club on Sunday, August 1 - the day he was due to go on holiday to Majorca.

Keen to play in the showpiece, Noble organised a new flight to Palma and was hit with a £100 bill - but captain Max Joice, of Skelmanthorpe, and the rest of the team have come to the rescue.

"We are all chipping in to help with the cost and when I put it to the lads, there was no problem," said Joice, who will make his debut as wicketkeeper for the Drakes League senior side in the Costcutter Knockout at Elland on Sunday.

"James has been a big part of what we've achieved this season - scoring three 50s in our run to the final and winning us two of the ties - and none of the lads wanted him to miss out on the final.

"We have got a tremendous team spirit in the Under 21 side, a lot of the lads have been together a long time and know each other well and, hopefully, James will be able to help us lift the Trophy in the final."

Noble has blossomed this season alongside Indian Test batsman Wasim Jaffer at Chapelgate, helping Scholes to challenge for the Premiership title with 385 runs at an average of 32.08.

Deputy manager at bookmakers Coral in Huddersfield, Noble is a former Joe Lumb Cup player and Meltham junior who has given real backbone to the batting for team manager David Law's side.

"The gesture from the lads to help James switch his holiday is terrific and it sums up the team spirit in the side," said Law.

Noble himself is delighted with the support of his team.

"It's a tremendous thing for the lads to do," said the opener, who will be in action for Scholes at Shelley tomorrow.

"I'm really looking forward to the final and we are all determined to make sure we win."