SUNDAY marks the first of three successive big finals weekends for the Drakes Huddersfield Cricket League.
Thongsbridge is the venue for the Oddfellows Cup final between Thongsbridge and Almondbury (1pm).
It’s the showpiece knockout final for first teams in the Frank Platt Championship and Cedar Court Conference and was won last year by Clayton West, who were ineligible this time because they were promoted to the Drakes Premiership.
Also on Sunday, the second XI cup competition – the Earnshaw Cup – has its final between Clayton West and Delph at Clayton West.
Both matches promise some intriguing action and, at Thongsbridge, admission by programme is £2 for adults, £1 concessions (full preview in Examiner Sport tomorrow).
The following Sunday, August 12, it’s the main League one-day event with the Romida Sykes Cup final between Shepley and Delph at Honley.
Clubs have been warned that no counter attractions can be organised on Drakes League grounds on that date – a rule introduced by the clubs many years ago to protect the special nature of the Sykes Cup final – and heavy fines are likely to be handed out to anyone found in breach.
On Sunday, August 19, the Fired Up Paddock Shield final will be staged at Hoylandswaine.
Drakes League chairman Trevor Atkinson thanked Scholes for their staging of the Romida Twenty20 Trophy and Shield finals last Sunday.
“Considering they had only four days to get everything organised Scholes put on a superb show,” he said.
“There was a massive crowd, the hospitality was excellent and our congratulations go to all four clubs involved – Scholes, Hoylandswaine, Cawthorne and Lascelles Hall – for some exciting cricket on what was the first occasion we have held two finals at the same venue on the same day.”
The League have taken disciplinary action against three players and have one other incident pending a decision.
Liam Dickinson of Hoylandswaine was suspended for one match for abuse of cricket equipment.
Simon Sykes of Emley also received a one-match ban (as captain) for showing dissent and using foul and abusive language.
Dean Barker of Linthwaite Seconds received a two-game ban for showing dissent at an umpire’s decision and using foul and abusive language.
Elland’s Ian Hall was suspended by his club and reported by an umpire. The League have recorded the suspension and decided to take no further action.
A Level 1 umpires course will be run at Outlane CC starting on Monday October 8. Club umpires and any other club members interested would be most welcome and should contact Ron Tindall or David Haikings from the Umpires Association.
