HONLEY are once again in the final of the Examiner Twenty/20 Trophy after romping away with the first semi-final against outclassed Kirkheaton.
Although Danny Howard was an early victim, Honley – who were last season’s beaten finalists – were soon running away with the contest as Simon Kelly and Matt Cox put on 76 for the second wicket, scoring at eight and nine an over.
By the time Greg Wadsworth caught opener Kelly on the midwicket boundary off the bowling of Jonny Whittle for a typically forceful 45, Honley were almost away and gone.
Alex Slack sent down a tidy four overs for Kirkheaton, during which he bowled Martin Green, but Australian-born Cox punished anything short or too full, cracking nine fours in an unbeaten 72 which came from just 51 deliveries, and took him to 251 runs for the season in the competition.
Richard Jakeman (11) was the only other Honley batter in double figures, as Ibrar Younas finished with two for 25, but it mattered not as the home side posted a hefty 154-6 total.
And with the bowling attack which Honley boast, it was always likely to be a massive mountain for Kirkheaton to climb.
Ritchie Howarth bagged the first three wickets for only 19 runs, including the prize scalp of Dale Winterbottom stumped by Jakeman, while Green mopped up the middle order with four for 10, which included a very smart catch from second teamer Tom Kaye to get rid of top scorer Slack for 16.
In general, Honley’s ground fielding was very polished throughout giving Kirkheaton no easy runs and no way back into the contest.
Harlon Haye finished with two for 20 off his four overs and Enamul Haq one for 9 off two, as the visitors’ innings was wrapped up for 78 in 17 overs.
The second semi-final takes place tomorrow at Broad Oak, when they entertain Delph & Dobcross (6.30), with the final scheduled for Sunday, July 27.
