THORNTON have won the ENCO Halifax League’s Vocation T20 competition, defeating Oxenhope in a low-key final at Illingworth St Mary’s.

The first accolade of the day, without any doubt, went to the host club’s groundstaff, who somehow managed to get the pitch and surrounds fit to play by working from dawn until the start of play.

Gallons of water were removed from the covers after early-morning downpours.

Due the delayed start and threatening clouds, the ties were reduced to 16 overs per team.

The first semi-final was won at a canter by Thornton against Luddendenfoot.

Thornton’s 151-6 included double-figure scores from the top six, led by Grant Soames (56) and Jordan Croft (33).

The Foot’s top scorer, in contrast, was only an unlucky 13 as they were bowled out for 82, Ross Parr taking 3-17.

The second semi-final produced the shock of the day as the hosts lost to Oxenhope by three runs.

Oxenhope scored 115 in 15.5 overs, as Rohid Ali top-scored with 36, with Jack Hargreaves taking 5-24 from 3.5 overs.

In reply, Illingworth looked well on course at 58-0, with Hargreaves on 39, but then panic set in as wickets fell, by the over, to 93-6.

Skipper Jamie Moorhouse (8no) attempted to rectify the situation alongside Isaac Thompson, but the latter was bowled by Daniel Scott with the last ball of the innings for 10.

Scott finished with fine figures of 4-0-24-4.

The honest appraisal of the final was one of disappointment, no doubt shared by the Oxenhope players.

Their innings against Thornton only lasted 11.2 overs, as they fell to 59 all out. Only two batters reached double figures as Josh Hutchinson recorded 4-1-14-5. Thornton required less than seven overs to score a winning 60-2, Grant Soames not hanging around with 35 not out.

The Vocation T20 Trophy was presented by league president David Normanton to Thornton captain Bradley Weatherhead, adding to their previous success in 2013.

The player of the match deservedly went to Josh Hutchinson, but for his bowling rather than his batting and a flying catch on the boundary - an easy choice for league disciplinary officer Jack Carson.

League chairman Anthony Briggs gave the vote of thanks and led the presentation party.