THERE was no third successive Waddilove Cup triumph for Steeton.

Having won the Aire-Wharfe League’s blue-riband knockout competition for the past two years as a second-tier club, they fell short of a hat-trick by losing to fellow Premier Division opponents Horsforth Hall Park in a well-staged decider at Bilton.

Steeton chose to bat, but were soon 17-2 and needed a disciplined innings by No.3 Ben Hemsley to post anything like a competitive total.

He scored 82 off 112 deliveries, including eight fours, playing some eye-catching shots through the covers, and added 60 for the third wicket with Max Harrison (19) and 52 for the fourth with James Robinson (18).

Ben Hemsley (right) was outstanding with the bat, but he probably knew when he was dismissed that his team did not have enough runs on the board.Ben Hemsley (right) was outstanding with the bat, but he probably knew when he was dismissed that his team did not have enough runs on the board. (Image: John Heald Photography.)

After that, however, Hemsley was very much playing a lone hand and was last out at 172 with almost five overs still unused.

Ricky Halloran was accuracy personified in both his spells to take 2-17, while Priyank Koli (2-36) and the excellent Sam Hyde (4-40) took wickets while Hemsley was at the non-strikers’ end.

Although the blameless Hemsley dismissed captain Steve Phillips and Koli on his way to 2-27, Hall Park’s experienced duo of Michael Loubser and Andy Bairstow took them to a six-wicket win with more than seven overs left in the tent.

Loubser ended on 63 not out from only 56 deliveries, while Bairstow, elder brother of England international Jonny, finished unbeaten on 52.

Michael Loubser's attacking knock helped take the game away from Steeton.Michael Loubser's attacking knock helped take the game away from Steeton. (Image: John Heald Photography.)

Steeton captain Stevie Pearson said afterwards: “We were probably about 40 runs short having got ourselves into a good position, but Hall Park bowled exceptionally well and made it hard for us to score.

“We then needed early wickets to have a chance, and we used seven bowlers, but those two batters took it away from us.”

Pearson added: “Our run (in the Waddilove Cup) had to come to an end eventually, but we have enjoyed it.

“Now it is back to the league, where we have won our last three, and if we continue that we will get out of the relegation zone.

“To lose 20 league points (due to disciplinary issues) was a massive blow which we could have done without it and it is disappointing, but these things happen and you have to go again.”