Welch stars in Cullingworth cup final triumph (From Craven Herald)

Welch stars in Cullingworth cup final triumph

11:53pm Friday 17th August 2012 in Sport

Runs were hard to come by on a wicket of low bounce in the Wynn Cup final at Gargrave .

A decent crowd had gathered for the eagerly-awaited clash between Cullingworth and Oakworth and the latter decided to bat.

But the Cure Hill side lost Jack Hainsworth and Rob Hopkinson, also for nine, to make it 21-2 in the tenth over.

Paul Spragg scored six but Michael Scarborough and skipper Joel Gallagher (8) put on 30 for the fourth wicket.

Chris Welch was introduced to the attack in the 26th over and in nine overs took 4-23, including Scarborough, who had fought a rearguard action for 99 balls and scored 42 – the only player to reach double figures in the innings.

A total of 20 extras boosted the total to 116 all out, with Luke Taylor taking 2-25 and Phil Poole 2-29.

The Cullingworth reply got off to a worse start and they were 21-4 .

Welch then played the anchor role.

He lost Sam Murphy for two to make it 37-5 and Jack Davidson had Graham Rankin dropped at mid-off.

Rankin went on to make 16 and take the score to 74-6 in the 24th over.

By this time, Welch was getting into his stride and was joined by George Fletcher.

Oakworth brought back opening bowlers Steve Filkin and Scarborough in an effort to get a breakthrough.

The Roydwood Terrace side reached their target in the 35th over with Welch 55 not out and Fletcher 15 not out.