Townville’s bid for glory in the ECB Vitality Club T20 Cup ended when they suffered a seven-run defeat against Doncaster Town on Sunday.

After putting their rivals in and seeing them make 159-9, the Gordon Rigg Bradford Premier League side could only reply with 152-8 in the first semi-final at the North Regional Finals day in Derbyshire.

An opening stand of 72 in seven overs between George Fisher (59) and Taylor Fell (24) immediately put Townville on the back foot, as they struggled to quell the early onslaught in the absence of key all-rounder Jack Hughes.

But once Chris Holliday (3-40) had dismissed the rampant Fisher, Townville were able to slow the scoring rate significantly.

Wickets fell at regular intervals, while Matthew Lumb (2-28) and Dushan Vimukthi (1-26) proved to be the most economical bowlers.

The eventual Doncaster Town total of 159-9 was less than looked likely when Fisher was tucking into the bowling.

Townville lost Conor Harvey and Abdul Wahid cheaply and when opener Holliday (33) became the second victim of former Cleckheaton opening bowler Curtis Free, they were struggling at 51-3.

Vimukthi found himself trying to revive his side’s fortunes and made 43 before being run out, with Townville needing 50 from the last five overs.

Despite an unbeaten 37 from 20 balls by promising youngster Alfie McMillan, Townville came up just short, bowing out of the competition gracefully.