HARD WORK by groundsmen at Wilsden were rewarded by an explosive Cowling Cup finals day in the Mewies Solicitors Craven League.

Prospects for play didn't look good at 8.15am. However, the first semi-final between Bingley Congs II and Division Four leaders Foulridge II was able to start on time an hour and three-quarters later.

The Noyna side closed on 133 after a quick start, and the Beckfoot Laners side finished 25 runs short.

In the second semi-final, Oakworth II tackled Division Three leaders Barrowford II for the second successive day, with the Bull Holme side winners by eight wickets in the league.

This time the Red Rose side were dismissed for 145 with four overs left, and a youthful Wide Lane team fell runs 38 short.

The ball zinged out of the field numerous times in the final, with opener Taimoor Mushtaq making 90 for Foulridge, including five sixes, a five and seven fours.

The innings ended on 213-8, with Usman Ahmed taking 2-37, and the Bull Holme side were not going lie down easily.

Mohammed Waqas made 36 (four sixes, two fours) at the head of the innings, and Ahmed (43, including four sixes and one four) and Usman Anwar (39no, including three sizes and two fours) helped them to 181 as four bowlers took two wickets each.

Wilsden, their groundspeople and umpires Andy Grace, Ray Senior, David Howgate and Trevor Coe were thanked for their efforts by the latter, who is also the league's fixture secretary, and league secretary Ann Coe presented the trophies and mementoes, with the umpires naming Mushtaq as m,an of the match.