Rivals clash in Wynn Cup final

2:41pm Thursday 16th August 2007

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Up to last Saturday it was fair to say the Cullingworth, on League form, were odds on favourites to take the Wynn Cup back to Roydwood Terrace for the second time in their history. However Oakworth's stirring fight back last Saturday has shortened their odds, but maybe not quite enough to make them favourites. Nevertheless this crunch final between two of the top teams in this years competition could be a match to savour.

Cullingworth have appeared in one final which they won at the expense of Glusburn at Cowling in 2005. They have a terrific batting line up which is led by Aussie Dave Cavanagh who has performed exceptionally well throughout the season. The others Steve and Chris Welch, Gareth Marshall and skipper Adie Powis can take on and take apart any bowling attack on their day. They have a good attack led by David Robinson backed up by Chris Welch, Marshall, Phil Poole and spinner David Hall.

Holders of the trophy, Oakworth, meanwhile, have the experience of having played in nine finals of which they have won five. They should be able to cope well with the pressures associated with finals. They are lead by Jason Bilbrough who forms part of a quintet of quick bowlers. The others being Graham Rankin, Michael Scarborough, Andy Dawson and youngster Scott Hartley who is coming along in leaps and bounds since getting into the first team. The batting, like their opponents can take an attack apart. Steve Hartley is usually the cog around which the innings revolves. Joel Gallagher can and does score quickly. Michael Scarborough, Graham Rankin, Drew Duffy and Luke Scott make up the line up.

The pair have met twice in the competition, both won by Oakworth in round 3 in 2001 and the semi final at Haworth Road last year.

Back in January of this year the League's Executive Committee chose Oakworth to be the venue for the final. It will be interesting to see if they can take advantage of playing on their own midding. They have been known to lose a final at Cure Hill when Haworth beat them by one wicket in 2000.

The game which starts at 1-30pm is again sponsored by the Keighley office of Dacre Son & Hartley.