KEXBOROUGH and Emley Clarence will contest the first-ever final of the Oddfellows Cup after they both enjoyed easy victories in the semi-finals.

The Barnsley side proved much too strong for Linthwaite’s ‘Sunday’ side as Mark Bray and Michael Jepps both got into the eighties, Bray stroking 11 fours in his 89, while Jepps had eight fours and a six in his unbeaten 81, with Michael Burgess also adding late firepower with an unbeaten 34 as Kexborough closed on 251-4.

Jepps then quickly removed Linthwaite skipper Muhammed Ihsan before Neil Hinchliffe struck with four for 18 and home skipper Adam Wiles took three for seven to dismiss the visitors for just 84.

Meltham rarely threatened Emley Clarence, where, with the exception of Darren Hinchliffe who made 83 before being run out, the visitors struggled to top 200, with Jon Lee the pick of the home bowlers with three for 36.

Richard Haynes went cheaply, but a second wicket stand between Alan Greenwood (54) and Sheheryar Hassan (77) of 68 took them into three figures, and then a third wicket partnership of 78 between the latter and Nick Wilson (23no) steered Emley into a commanding position and ultimately a seven-wicket victory.

And, following the draw being made prior to the semi-finals, Emley Clarence will now host the final on Saturday, September 18.