CAPTAIN Andy Gleave praised his Delph players after they lifted the Huddersfield Cricket League’s Sykes Cup.
Gleave was delighted how Delph, who defeated Shepley by six wickets in the final, put aside a disappointing league campaign to lift the cup, which is their fifth piece of silverware in the last three seasons.
He said: “This was probably my most rewarding victory as captain given the circumstances as a few of the lads were out of form and confidence was low.
“We showed quality and character as it was not easy to win the cup, especially as we lacked confidence following defeats in the league.
“When we won the treble in 2016 and went through the season unbeaten in all competitions, that was something that may never be repeated.
“It was better this time as we went into the final as underdogs whereas in the last two years we had been expected to win.”
Gleave described his side’s display in the final as “immense”.
“Our bowling was superb while our fielding was brilliant, the best all season, as all the catches stuck,” he said.
Shepley were bowled out for 107, Wasim Qasim claimed four wickets, Chris Tipper three and Xander Selby two.
Delph knocked out the runs in 25.2 overs as they made 108-4, Mosun Hussain making 45no and Waqas Maqsood 30no.
Gleave added Delph’s semi-final victory against Almondbury Wesleyans was far tougher as they struggled against a lower division side.
Wesleyans made 179 with Delph hitting 180-7 in reply, opener Hussain top scoring with 78.
Gleave said: “We wanted to win a trophy when we started the season and have achieved that.
“In the league it has not happened for whatever reason, but if win our last four league games we would finish in the top four.
“Winning the Sykes Cup and finishing in the top four would be a pretty good season.”
Gleave added the standard of cricket in the Huddersfield League’s Championship is higher than ever, pointing to a recent 10-wicket defeat to Honley.
Delph scored 316, but Honley knocked off the runs without loss in only 36.5 overs, Nottinghamshire county player Will Fraine making 185no and Simon Kelly 104no.
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