Townville retained the Rigg Bash T20 Group A Cup in convincing style at Morley. They defeated Pudsey St Lawrence by six wickets in the final after earlier defeating New Farnley by seven wickets.

For skipper Conor Harvey and his team, it was the perfect preparation for next Sunday when they travel to Middlesbrough to compete in the Area Final of the ECB Vitality Club T20.

And Harvey led from the front in the showpiece, taking three wickets in the second over of Saints’ innings as they were reduced to 8-4.

And though Mark Robertshaw (76) and opposing skipper Charlie Best (33 not out) led a fine recovery, their final total of 144-7 always looked vulnerable given the explosive batting in the Townville ranks.

And so it proved, as Harvey, fresh from taking 4-24, bludgeoned 32 from 15 balls opening the batting.

Despite Charlie Parker recording fine figures of 3-19, Abdul Wahid (40no) and Dushan Vimukthi (36) ensured Townville made it over the line with eight balls to spare to win the cup.

Townville won the cup in convincing fashion and were thoroughly deserving winners of the competition.Townville won the cup in convincing fashion and were thoroughly deserving winners of the competition. (Image: Ray Spencer.)

Townville had been equally dominant in their semi-final. Their decision to put New Farnley in was rewarded as their bowlers picked up wickets at regular intervals. 

Sri Lankan Vimukthi demonstrated once again what a fine player he is with 3-19 while Matthew Lumb was economical with 1-15 in  his four overs. 

Ryan McKendry (26) top scored for New Farnley in their disappointing 138-8 and with Chris Holliday (53) and Vimukthi (34no) going on the attack in the reply, Townville romped home with nearly five overs to spare.

St Lawrence had reached their first final since 2015 with a five-wicket win over the excellent hosts Morley, which was secured with five balls to spare.

Second-tier Morley, who had only clinched their place at Finals Day last Thursday, chose to bat first after winning the toss.

Opener James McNichol led the way with 47, backed up further down the order by the competition’s top scorer Axel Sigera (37) and then Henry Rush (38no).

Despite the best efforts of leg-spinner James Massheder (3-23), Saints were left chasing a tricky total of 167-7.

After slipping to 16-2, opener Archie Scott got them back on track with 47, while Barrie Frankland added 31.

But the hero of the hour was Harry Cullingford, who made an unbeaten 65 to steer his side home.