THE Bradford Evening League have pulled off a big shock by defeating the York Senior League in a semi-final of the West Yorkshire Area Cricket Council Knockout Cup.

Losing openers Jack Hainsworth and Jack Holland for ducks was not a good start for the hosts at East Bierley but a third-wicket stand of 53 by Gareth Marshall (50) and Jay Boynton (31) stabilised the innings, and it was propelled to a respectable 213-6 off their 40 overs by Scott Etherington (49), skipper Richard Wear (21) and Chris Welch, who made 41 not out off just 23 balls.

Having hit 25 fours and six sixes in their innings, the Evening League's task with ball in hand still seemed odds against, despite fine opening spells from Shane Etherington and Jack Hartley.

York were 82-2 after 15 overs, with Joe Ashdown having made 45 and Tom Collins (23), but the complexion of the contest changed when Etherington and spinner Andy Wear came on as they took 3-12 and 2-34 respectively in their eight-over spells.

Importantly, the home side also held on to all of their catches, Marshall and Adam Smith taking two apiece and, despite some late resistance from Russ Robinson (41), Smith mopped up the tail with 2-19 as the visitors were dismissed for 167 in 34.5 overs.

The final is at Foster's Halifax League club Booth on Sunday, September 6, with the opponents yet to be determined.