Hunslet Nelson were crowned Bradford Premier League Bentley Blast T20 Group B champions after producing a superb all-round performance to defeat Heckmondwike and Carlinghow by 94 runs in Sunday’s final at Gipsy Lane.
Batting first after winning the toss, Nelson made an explosive start through Andy McIntosh, whose 31 from just 15 balls, including six boundaries, laid the foundations for a formidable total. Alastair Finn added 19 before Australian Luke Ajani took centre stage with another outstanding innings.
Ajani struck a classy 74 from 46 deliveries, hitting six fours and two sixes as he anchored the innings throughout the middle overs. Supported by Sam Thewlis, who contributed a lively 24 from 15 balls, Nelson maintained the pressure on the visitors before late contributions from Kieran Humphreys helped lift the total to an imposing 179-8 from their 20 overs.
Defending 180, Nelson’s bowlers immediately took control. Harrison Tyldsley struck twice inside the opening overs before Sam Thewlis ripped through the middle order to leave Heckmondwike and Carlinghow in deep trouble.
Tyldsley and Thewlis shared eight wickets in a devastating display of pace bowling. Thewlis finished with outstanding figures of 4-13 from his four overs, while Tyldsley matched him with 4-25, reducing the visitors to 37-6 and effectively ending the contest before the halfway stage of the chase.
Only Mustafa Bhatti, with a spirited 30, offered any resistance, but Matthew Varley claimed the final two wickets to finish with 2-19 as Heckmondwike and Carlinghow were dismissed for just 85 in 15.1 overs
Captain Alastair Finn said:
“It’s absolutely brilliant to win this competition for the first time. After reaching three finals and two semi-finals in the last five seasons, it’s extremely pleasing to get over the line, especially at our home ground. Tremendous credit has to go to the players for the way they performed on the day, especially in the final, to win so emphatically.
“After our success in the Jack Hampshire Cup over the previous two seasons, it’s another trophy for the club’s collection. It’s really special to captain the side to this win.
“Also special thanks to all the volunteers on the day that made it another great event at Hunslet Nelson”
The 94-run victory secured Hunslet Nelson’s first Bradford Premier League Bentley Blast T20 Group B title, completing a memorable Finals Day triumph. Twelve months after the disappointment of finishing runners-up, Nelson returned stronger, producing a commanding all-round performance to deservedly lift the trophy.
This post was written by Anthony Ryder
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