PUDSEY ST LAWRENCE skipper James Smith conceded that Wakefield Thornes were deserved winners of the inaugural Yorkshire Premier League Championship final in Abu-Dhabi.

A defiant century from Mark Robertshaw could not save Pudsey St Lawrence from a 39-run defeat after they fell short chasing a daunting total of 296-5.

The left-handed opener made 112 but even he was overshadowed by Wakefield Thornes’ David Toft who made 137 and took 3-63 to claim the man of the match award.

Smith said: “Thornes are the best drilled side I have played against. They are a tight-knit unit and are worthy winners.

“Dave Toft played a great innings for them. He works the balls into different areas and is a fine player.”

Thanks to Toft, Thornes cashed in on a perfect pitch at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium as St Lawrence’s bowlers and fielders wilted in the 36 degree heat.

The batting of Toft and Robertshaw was a wonderful advert for Yorkshire Premier League cricket with more than 12,000 watching the live streaming of the game – including a packed clubhouse at Pudsey St Lawrence’s Tofts Road ground.

Winning the toss proved a significant advantage for Thornes, who took full advantage of skipper Tom Froggett’s decision to bat first.

St Lawrence’s bowlers found the going tough. They didn’t help their cause by dropping several chances and conceding 16 wides.

Toft, who arrived at the crease after Richie Lamb dismissed opener James Wolfenden for 14, survived a confident lbw appeal first ball.

The left hander made the most of his narrow escape. Three sixes and 14 fours flowed from his bat as he dominated the bowling in a 109-ball innings.

He shared a third-wicket stand of 104 with Matthew Jordan (48) before a mix-up led to the latter being run out.

As the St Lawrence team sweltered, Toft raced on to his century. He mixed power and subtlety as he guided his side to an imposing total just short of 300.

St Lawrence hoped that they could take advantage of the superb batting conditions as they began their reply under the floodlights, but they were rocked as a magnificent opening spell from Mahmood Rasool saw them reduced to 28-3.

It left skipper Robertshaw and Smith with a massive rebuilding job which they tackled in great style.

The Saints skipper was his usual forceful self while Robertshaw played with calm assurance. Together they changed the momentum of the game with a fourth-wicket stand of 122.

Smith coasted to his half century before holing out off the bowling of man of the match Toft for 68. It was a crucial blow.

Robertshaw was joined by Chris Marsden who put his recent poor form behind him with a knock of 46.

He used the reverse sweep to good effect before being bowled by Steve Morgan just when Thornes were coming under pressure.

With the required rate climbing, Robertshaw completed his century, an innings containing eight fours, before he was dismissed for 112.

St Lawrence lost their last four wickets for six runs as Wakefield crowned their dream season by lifting the White Rose Trophy.

Smith added: “We didn’t bowl or field as well as we can and when we were 28-3 I was determined that we weren’t going to roll over. Mark Robertshaw and I dug in at first and tried to pick up the scoring rate.

“We were starting to put pressure on Thornes when I got out. Chris Marsden kept the tempo going and Mark made a great ton, but it wasn’t enough.”