Jubilant skipper Dermot McGrath led the celebrations as East Bierley ended their run of three consecutive cup final defeats with an easier than expected eight-wicket victory over Pudsey Congs at sun-drenched Undercliffe.

It was a double triumph for McGrath as he lifted the Sovereign Health Care Priestley Cup in his first season as captain, and won the man of the match award after an innings of 82 which took Bierley to within four runs of victory.

It would have been fitting if McGrath had hit the winning runs, but he was caught on the mid-wicket boundary at the second attempt by Lee Hanson for 82, and that honour went instead to Ryan Robinson, who ended the contest with a four.

Bierley have performed well in the cup in the 1990s and this was their fifth final appearance in eight seasons, but only their second win - they took the trophy in 1991 and were beaten finalists in 1993, 1995 and 1997.

McGrath, who succeeded all-rounder Murphy Walwyn as skipper this season, had figured in three losing finals for Bierley.

He said: "It's fourth time lucky for me and I am just pleased for everyone connected with the club - players, supporters and officials."

In addition to lifting the cup and the man of the match trophy awarded by Gerry McGowan, chairman of Sovereign Health Care, McGrath also received a £400 cheque - the first time there has been a cash prize for the cup winners. Losing skipper Phil Carrick received a £200 cheque.

Congs paid dearly for failing to score enough runs. Their 168 for six was simply not enough.

One sensed that a score of more than 200 would be needed to win against a Bierley side strengthened by the inclusion of the skipper's younger brother, Yorkshire batsman Anthony McGrath.

Congs had the misfortune to lose Carrick at six, caught by Walwyn off paceman Neville Lindsay, who played after passing a fitness test on the morning of the match.

Much then depended on current Yorkshire second team captain Colin Chapman and former Yorkshire player Neil Hartley,.

Unfortunately for Congs pro-gress was slow against an accurate Bierley attack, in which Lindsay bowled particularly well in two spells to finish with four for 25 in ten overs.

Just when they were beginning to bat with more freedom, Congs lost Chapman at 56, caught by Jimmy Poutch running in from fine leg off Anthony McGrath.

Hartley followed at 92, bowled rounds his legs by Yorkshire left-arm spinner Ian Fisher, who maintained an immaculate length as he gave away just 16 runs in ten excellent overs.

James Middlebrook and Han-son put on 34 before Congs lost three wickets for five runs when Lindsay returned to the attack.

Matthew Duce struck some lusty blows in the last few overs to take them to 168, but it proved inadequate.

Bierley began even more slowly than Congs, only 16 runs coming in the first ten overs and 50 off the first 20, but importantly they did not lose a wicket as Carrick used all his bowlers in an attempt to breakthrough.

The batsmen's early caution paid off as they gradually accelerated with some fluent strokeplay, and by the time West Indian Nicholas De Groot was out at 126 for 72, having hit seven fours and two sixes, Bierley were well on their way to victory.

Dermot McGrath, who survived a sharp stumping chance at 67, continued to grow in confidence, hitting two sixes and eight fours in his innings as Bierley moved rapidly towards victory with seven overs to spare.

He said: "If I had won the toss, I would have liked to have batted first, but we bowled and fielded marvellously.

"Neville Lindsay and Ian Fish-er bowled particularly well. Neville has been struggling with injury, but came back well.

"Congs never really got away from us and, although we started slowly, the important thing was that we did not lose wickets. We knew if we hung in there the runs would come."

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