Burley have had to play second fiddle as Beckwithshaw gradually pulled away from them into an almost unassailable position at the top of the Aire-Wharfe League.

But they have earned the right to try and stop their Division One rivals doubling up when they go head to head in the Waddilove Cup final at Knaresborough on Sunday, August 11.

Both finalists faced tricky moments in winning their semi-finals.

Burley appeared to have the easier task against relegation-threatened Follifoot but found themselves facing a target of 194-6 after opener Jim Pickles hit an unbeaten 109.

That seemed comfortable all the time Charlie Davy (45) was building a 110-run partnership in 18 overs with David Brook, who hit 14 fours and four sixes while racing to 105 off 101 balls.

There were a few nerves when four quick wickets fell for the addition of only nine runs but by then the finishing line was in sight and Burley went over with three wickets in hand.

Meanwhile, Otley took on Beckwithshaw as the biggest underdogs since the Christians faced the lions and the predictions of a heavy defeat seemed well founded when they slumped to 20-3.

But they slowly recovered ground and, with Andy Rhodes (34) and Ricky Halloran (25) putting on 44 for the ninth wicket, managed to reach 165.

That should have been simple for the best team in the league but after Ross Sedgley (42) was out at 74-3, they began to struggle against the accurate attack of Rhodes (3-34) and John Brough (3-31).

Gradually the required run rate increased and with four overs left it stood at 6.25.

But Otley’s main strike bowlers had used up their allocation and Ben Quick (28no) managed to take Beckwithshaw to a three-wicket victory with an over to spare.