Yet another T20 final in Bradford.

 Posted by Tony Hutton

Many thanks to Mike Latham for his comprehensive coverage of two T20 finals on either side of the Pennines. Thanks also to Nick Spachis, who has supplied a third T20 final report from none other than the Bradford Mutual Sunday School Cricket League, which obviously continues to thrive. This certainly breaks new ground for the blog and we are delighted to be able to bring this to you.

There may be some confusion among followers of league cricket in Yorkshire by the name of one of the finalists. TABS cricket club, based in Bradford, were founded in 2013 and the name derives from the four initial letters of the names of the four friends who started the club. It has no connection with Thorp Arch and Boston Spa cricket club of the York Senior League, which uses the same initials in it's name.

Saturday 20 August, Park Avenue Cricket ground, Bradford

 Girlington crowned Rizues T20 Cup Champions

Girlington have won the first Rizues T20 Cup after beating TABS by 36 runs at a bright and breezy Park Avenue Cricket Ground on Saturday 20th August. Rizwan Mustaq struck an unbeaten 51 not out and Khurram Rasheed hit 42 to help Girlington to an intimidating 181-5 in their 20 overs, a total which proved too much for TABS as they could only reach 145-6 in reply with Farhad Raja claiming 4/34 for the winners.

Girlington won the toss and decided to bat first on an excellent surface prepared by the groundsman. Man of match Rizwan's stylish half-century comprised a mix of elegant stroke play and power hitting as he struck four boundaries and two sixes. He was supported by Khurram Rasheed (42) who struck four boundaries and three sixes in a quickfire knock which ultimately took the game away from TABS.

In the second innings, TABS had a decent opening stand of 40 but were unable to keep up with the required scoring rate and then lost wickets at regular intervals ultimately hindering their chase. Resultantly, the final few overs were played out in hope rather than conviction with the absence of any real batting firepower at the crease. A telling spell from off-spinner Farhad Raja did the damage for Girlington as he finished with 4/34 to go with his figures of 4/20 in the semi-final.

In the end, Girlington's strength proved too much, their victory fully deserved. It capped an excellent tournament for the team. As the final delivery was bowled by Girlington, their supporters cheered, and the celebrations commenced. Majid Zia became the first captain to hold aloft the impressive Rizues Cup, presented to him by Anna Potjakina of The Rizues Ltd. along with a record prize cheque of £1700 no less. He was surrounded by his ecstatic players and supporters.

It was the climax of an entertaining Finals Day which began at 10 a.m. with the first semi-final between Girlington and Hallfield producing a good game which was in the balance for a while before Girlington came through by 20 runs. That was followed up by the second semi-final at 1.15 p.m., where the eventual finalists, TABS, strung a surprise by beating a lacklustre Apperley Bridge by four wickets.

There were many supporters present for the teams that competed, as well as players and fans from most Bradford Mutual Sunday School Cricket League clubs in attendance throughout the day. They were joined by chief Guest Dr Manoj Joshi MBE DL, Chair of the Bradford District Economic Partnership, who was present at the final presentation alongside his wife.

Overall, there was a sense of satisfaction for everyone at the conclusion of what has been a fantastic new addition to the BMSSCL - the Rizues T20 Cup. League Chairman, Dr Rizwan Hameed, addressed the crowd a the final presentation saying 'I must thank everyone involved for helping to make this competition a resounding success. When I became Chairman, I wanted to do something to help enhance the image of the BMSSCL and we have managed to do that by firstly securing this sponsorship from Rizues and then organising and delivering this fantastic tournament'.