Barkisland skipper Darren Robinson feels the Sykes Cup has brought out their strengths this season and he wants the side to enjoy one big final effort for the silverware.

The 35-year-old knows what the big occasion is all about having been part of Barkisland’s successful side against Delph at Honley in 2008.

Spinner Matt Steers is the other survivor from that line-up with a winners’ tankard, and Robinson is hoping history can repeat itself seven years on.

“We are really looking forward to the final,” said Robinson, who could have a big role to play with bat and ball.

“It was nice to win that first final against Delph, who were a strong side back then. We were the underdogs and that’s much the same this time around.

“Nobody expected us to come out on top last time, so hopefully we can do it again this year.”

Robinson added: “I think the Cup has brought out the best in us and that’s probably because we can put out five really good bowlers.

“We have some really good young talent who have been upping their games all season, too, in addition to some match-winners in our side.

“That’s been proven all the way through the Cup run, because Sykes Cup finals aren’t easy to get to.

“Last season we finished third and reached the T20 Trophy final, but we’ve had to wait seven years for another go at the Sykes Cup, which is why we want to enjoy the occasion and make the most of it.

“I’m just looking for a good, solid team performance and then if one or two individuals can come off, you’ve got the makings of something good. If you put up a good fight, you never know what can happen.”

Watch video of the end of the Sykes Cup semi-final at Kirkburton here.

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