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The Semi-final of the Barrett Cup finally took place at the fourth time of asking. The weather forecast promised sunshine and thundery showers – we got plenty of the first and none of the latter, thankfully. Embsay won the toss and asked Rainton to go first. They were going along steadily, reaching 43 for 2 at the end of the 11^th over. At the end of the 12^th over there were 43 for 6! Struan Mackenzie performed the hat trick and also took a fourth wicket in that over. Jack Kitching took a wicket in the next over to leave them in disarray at 46 for 7. They hung around for another 6 overs but only added another 6 runs. Struan finished with 4 for 6 of his allotted five overs, Sam Arkwright and Haroon Ali took 2 for 9 and Jack 1 for 24. Our reply started with a bang as Mo Saghir crashed the first ball for six. Mo and Joe Holt put on 34 for the first wicket, where the former went for 21. Joe was joined by Tom Stead and the pair took us to the final by 9 wickets. Joe made 32 not out (4 fours and 1 six) and Tom 4 not out.

The final is at West Tanfield CC on the 13^th August at 4pm and our opponents will be North Stainley. It is a late start due to two other finals being played that day.

Trevor Coe – Chairman