HUDDERSFIELD destroyed the Leeds League in their final group match of this season’s rain-ravaged Joe Lumb Cup campaign.

Sadly, because of the number of rain-hit matches, and their earlier loss to York, it meant that current holders Huddersfield failed to reach the final again this season.

But the victory over Leeds at Methley at least secured second spot in their group and they will now go forward play for the Jack Lee Trophy (for the two runners-up in each section) sometime in September.

Although out of action for six weeks, Huddersfield showed plenty of appetite for victory as they set about Leeds in determined fashion.

After losing the toss, Jonny Butterfield (one for 13) and Richard Love (three for 10) soon had Leeds in big trouble at 24-4, and after their respective spells ended, skipper Ben Raven-Hill put on two more players with county experience, Charlie Roebuck (four for 13) and Nick Sharp, who ensured the batsmen maintained a steady procession back to the pavilion.

Fourteen-year-old Tom Barber then finished off Leeds with two for four, the home side being skittled for just 67.

Huddersfield were aggressive and competitive in the field, and the wicketkeeping of Nick Taylor was immaculate.

Openers Raven-Hill (22) and Joe Sykes (43) were never in any trouble and eased Huddersfield to victory in the 15th over.

Although disappointed at not being in the Joe Lumb final, Huddersfield will at least be playing for a trophy once again, and should take some satisfaction from the fact that in the last three seasons they have been finalists, Cup winners, and now Jack Lee Trophy finalists.