THE difference in divisions, and moreover in class, was self-evident at Great Horton Park Chapel as the second tier side were dispatched with consummate ease by holders Thornton, who will be keen to add a second success to that of 2019 in the final.

The writing was on the wall very early in the afternoon in this semi final, as Horton lost their first three wickets for three runs and had it not been for Jonathan Phillips (27) and Dan Pummell (26) the final score could have been embarrassing.

The bowling of Thornton’s Greg Soames (3-10) and Ross Parr (3-18) was simply too good, as was that of the three other bowlers used, as Horton fell to 76 all out.

While the visitors lost two wickets in reply, there was never any doubt over the outcome, especially when Josh Hutchinson arrived at the wicket with the score at 35-2.

He added 30 of the next 42 runs to win the semi-final – Thornton's 77-2 requiring only 11.1 overs.

It was a different story at Mytholmroyd as they entertained Booth. Both clubs have won the trophy on nine occasions, with the last successes in 2007 for Royd and 2017 for Booth.

The home team elected to bat first and suffered two early losses at 13-2. However Matthew Scholefield hit 71 runs at exactly a run-a-ball and Spencer Harris (49 not out) steadied the middle order whilst Taufeeq Ahmed (39) added runs at the other end.

Hashim Wajid took wickets at the right time and finished with fine figures of 4-25 as Mytholmroyd closed on 219 all out in the 45th over.

Booth’s response also got off to an indifferent start and they too lost two early wickets at 17-2.

However it was no surprise when the Laycocks took up the challenge, taking their time accumulating runs.

Richard (38) lost his wicket at 90-3 but after his departure, Jon Midgley entered the fray and his 55 runs ensured Booth were on the right track.

With Rob Laycock hitting 77 not out, the winning runs came in the 42nd over.

The final between Booth and Thornton takes place on Sunday, August 1 at Sowerby St Peter’s CC.