Bairstow blasts Congs to victory

8:48pm Sunday 14th September 2008

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There were celebrations all round for Pudsey Congs tonight.

They defeated Woodlands by 51 runs at Wagon Lane to retain the Sovereign Health Care Priestley Cup, Andy Bairstow was named man of the match for his 121, three catches and a stumping, and skipper Matthew Doidge confirmed he will be staying at the club next season.

Doidge, who had been strongly linked with a move to Rawdon to join his brother Andrew, said: “Andy’s innings must be one of the finest ever in a Priestley Cup final.”

Congs were 12 for three when belligerent left-hander Bairstow came to the wicket and hit six sixes and 12 fours to transform their effort in harness with Glenn Roberts (59 not out), ending on 232 for seven.

Woodlands were 68 for five themselves but were revived by captain Tim Orrell (52) and Tosh Baker (39).

However, telling catches by Mark Bray and Roberts helped to turn the tide, along with Bairstow’s glovework and Jeremy Batty’s off-spin.