Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club have retained the Jack Hampshire Cup. After lifting the trophy in 2024, they went back to back at Lightcliffe CC against Heckmondwike and Carlinghow on Sunday 10 August 2025.
A 7 wicket win resulted in captain Jack Scanlon lifting the cup for the second year running. Chairman Anthony Ryder was delighted and had this to say:
“The 2025 final was a lot more plain sailing than the previous year at Liversedge. Nelson lost the toss and Heckmondwike and Carlinghow elected to bat on what looked a good batting surface. Skipper Scanlon wasn’t too disappointed in bowling, after chasing in many key matches in recent years.”
‘Hecky’ started well scoring at 6 an over and reaching 70-0 until Alastair Finn made the breakthrough. They then moved to 90, before the introduction of Sam Thewlis changed the game. His spell of 5 for 28, resulting in him picking up the man of the match, led to Heckmondwike crumbling to 168 all out. He was brilliantly supported by his spin partner Matthew Varley, who returned after his opening spell to pick up three key wickets. Josh Morris picked up the final wicket of the innings. It was a brilliant team effort in the field with some key catches made at crucial points in the innings.
Many spectators at halfway believed Nelson would cruise to victory. They were correct thanks to some very good contributions from Jack Scanlon at the top of the innings with 35. Andrew McIntosh was at his fluent best with a well made 40. Then Sam Thewlis, 39 not out, and Omar Aziz, 34 not out, put on a brilliant 70 run partnership to lead ‘Nelly’ to a 7 wicket victory. This led to celebrations from the Nelson following on the boundary and players on the balcony. Many hours of hard work had paid off!
The achievement highlights the progress made by the club, who also reached two other senior finals this year. It is a club heading in the right direction with many more trophies hopefully in future seasons.
For more information about Hunlset Nelson Cricket Club, including regular Saturday openings and upcoming cricket fixtures, please visit www.hunsletnelson.play-cricket.com
This post was written by A Finn
Photo: Ray Spencer
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