Holders Bradford & Bingley secured their place in this year’s final of the Gordon Rigg Priestley Cup with a comfortable five-wicket win over Pudsey Congs at Wagon Lane.
Ed Brown’s decision to bowl first was rewarded as they soon exposed Congs’ fragile batting to take charge of the semi-final.
Jack Hartley was particularly impressive with 4-13 as Congs were reduced to 69-6.
Sam Wisniewski (25) and Josh Bennett (19) hinted briefly at a revival, but when both were dismissed with the total on 117 the writing was on the wall.
Congs were eventually all out for 142 and were bowled out with 9.2 of their 50 overs remaining.
Spinner Ryan Heptinstall was given the new ball by Congs as they attempted to defend their below-par total and the risky move brought its rewards.
He removed Callam Goldthorp and South African Louren Steenkamp in quick succession and when skipper Brown was dismissed by Jamie Allen for one, Bradford & Bingley were suddenly in massive trouble at 15-3.
But opener Jacob Slator, playing against his former club, found an ally in Joe Pyrah, as Congs’ hopes of building on their early breakthroughs were thwarted.
Joe Pyrah played a vital hand, steadying the innings for Bradford & Bingley after their early wobble. (Image: Ray Spencer.)
Both batters played with increasing confidence and seized control for their side with a stand of 111 for the fourth wicket.
Pyrah compiled a fine knock of 59 before being dismissed with 17 runs needed for victory.
Billy Whitford was then dismissed cheaply but Slator, who had scored 71 not out a day earlier in a league win over Congs, saw his side home with an unbeaten 62.
Bradford & Bingley will have to wait to see who they will play in the final at New Farnley on Sunday, August 18, as the other semi-final between Townville and Woodlands was abandoned without a ball being bowled.
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