Priestley Cup drama but Woodlands cruise to national last-16

He may even have to bat at No.11 on occasions, but the Bradford Premier League side have promised to give him some opportunities with the willow when they allow.

One arose on Sunday when Woodlands dismissed hosts South Northumberland for a modest 124 in the Group One final of the ECB National Club Championship.

Twenty-one-year-old Kaye didn’t let them down, scoring 32 in a routine seven-wicket victory that put them through to the last 16.

Although he is tender in years, Kaye has already had plenty of clubs, but he is quick to point out that he has always moved for the right reasons - to better himself.

Kaye, who has county experience with Yorkshire under-11s through to under-15s and the Yorkshire Academy in Yorkshire Premier League North, explained: “I started at Blackley when I was about five, and then went to Copley, Bradford & Bingley, New Farnley, Castleford and, last year, Broad Oak.

“Most of my moves have been about opportunities to bat or moving up through different levels in different leagues.

“My main assets are quick hands in getting the ball back to the stumps, my footwork down the leg-side and standing up to seamers, which can make a big difference.”

As for where he will bat for Woodlands, Kaye said: “Their batting line-up is good, so they couldn’t make me any promises.

“But it is a case of if I get an opportunity to take it, like I did here, although it would have been nice to be not out at the end.

“I am enjoying it so far, I can’t complain, and they told me when I signed that I have to be ready to play double weekends or even triple weekends.

“You know what you sign up for and you have to be ready.

“It would be nice to win every trophy for Woodlands, and it would be nice to get to that level of success, but I have no real priorities (in what I want them to win).”

South Northumberland, whose facilities are magnificent, won the toss and chose to bat, which Woodlands would have done also, but lost wickets consistently to be dismissed inside 35 overs.

Only two batters stayed for any length of time - Nikhil Gorantla (44) and Sean Tindale (32) - as five Woodlands bowlers took wickets.

Canny off-spinner Kez Ahmed was particularly on song, taking 3-15 from his eight overs before having to leave the field with a groin injury.

Kez Ahmed caused South Northumberland all sorts of problems with his spin bowling. (Image: Ray Spencer.)

Skipper Brad Schmulian weighed in with 2-21 and Elliot Richardson took 2-39, as South Northumberland failed to post a competitive total.

Woodlands were missing opener Sam Frankland, who was watching his son play an important junior match, so Liam Collins stepped up.

He scored 36 with some elegant shots square on the offside and put on 66 with Tim Jackson (20) to send the visitors well on the way to success.

Kaye and Schmulian (23no) added 46 to take Woodlands to the brink of victory, which was achieved by the end of the 23rd over.

Woodlands now face Group Six winners Ormskirk at Albert Terrace on Sunday, July 7 in the last-16.

Due to their commitments in South Northumberland at the weekend, Woodlands do not play their home Priestley Cup quarter-final against Pudsey St Lawrence until this coming Sunday.

The other three last-eight ties were played the other day however, with two of them ending up being sensational encounters.

One saw Townville astonishingly chase down a mammoth total of 373 to beat New Farnley by five wickets with 11 balls to spare.

Abdul Wahid struck 102 as Townville pulled off an astonishing heist. (Image: Ray Spencer.)

Two incredible records were set, with Townville’s successful chase being the biggest-ever in the Priestley Cup and the game having the highest match aggregate, in terms of runs, in the tournament’s long history.

And holders Bradford & Bingley remained in the tournament by the skin of their teeth, making the semis with a five-wicket win at Farsley from the final ball of the match.

With him not playing for his county this weekend, Farsley were able to count on Yorkshire’s Harry Duke, who scored a magnificent 131 in his side’s imposing total of 306-6.

B&B opener Jacob Slator responded in kind with 124 not out, with overseas Louren Steenkamp offering him good support by making 77.

Yet Farsley’s depleted bowling attack kept their side in the hunt, and when Billy Whitford (42) was dismissed with three balls of the game remaining, the visitors still needed four runs to win.

Young Jack Luxton was unable to score off the penultimate delivery, but dramatically struck the final ball of the match to the boundary to secure his side a memorable win.

The other completed quarter-final was a one-sided affair, with Division One leaders Carlton bundled out for 138 by top-flight strugglers Pudsey Congs.

Visiting Congs made light work of chasing down that small total, winning by seven wickets inside 22 overs.