BRAVE Buttershaw St Paul's fell just short of reaching the Solly Sports Heavy Woollen Cup final after a battling display against Townville.

Chasing the visitors' 271-6, Buttershaw weren't fazed by the challenge and made a good start to their reply. Opener Kevin McDermott (78) and Jonathan Burston (44) launched the innings with a partnership of 98.

With Amer Ayoub (50) continuing the good work they were 161-3 with 15 overs to go and in with a chance of victory. The pressure of an increasing required rate and the loss of wickets saw them finally bowled out for 251 with one ball to go.

Overseas player Imran Rafique played the leading role in Townville's 21-run win. He took 4-39 and was backed up by Connor Harvey (3-47).

Rafique had earlier made 60, rescuing the team after they were 26-2. He transformed the course of the innings in partnership with Harry Warwick (86). They added 142 for the third wicket and a brisk 46 from skipper Jack Hughes swelled the score to 271-6.

Townville will be hoping for a repeat performance when they take on Shepley at Ossett on August 4 in the final.