STEETON are through to the semi-finals of the Waddilove Cup, bouncing back from their league loss on Saturday against Pool to post another mammoth cup total at Beckwithshaw.

This time it was openers Jack Ramage (102) and Mat Nutter – who hit 18 fours and eight sixes on his way to a stunning 144 from just 72 balls – who contributed most of that in a 238-run partnership for the first wicket, before skipper Stevie Pearson chipped in with an unbeaten 52 to see them notch a staggering 354-7. 

Wicketkeeper Miles Buller (67) was as good as it got for Beckwithshaw, who batted out their overs to reach 274-5 in reply, a total that would likely have guaranteed their spot in the final four on any other day.

The Summerhill Laners will face perhaps the toughest tie at Division One leaders Otley, who progressed in similarly emphatic fashion with a 227-run victory against Bilton at Cross Green to book their place in the semi-finals

Elsewhere, reigning champions Rawdon made their way safely through to the Waddilove Cup semi-finals after thrashing hosts Collingham & Linton by 125 runs.

Ben Morley’s decision to bat was a good one, with the Rawdon skipper making 81 from just 66 deliveries – including 15 fours and two sixes – alongside Ross Jennings (53) and wicketkeeper James Dobson (40) as they posted a competitive 240-9 from their 45 overs.

No.8 Adam Wetherall (27 not out) and opener Gregory Brown (24) were the only batters to make over 20 as the hosts could only manage 115 in reply, with Nathan Goldthorp (3-25), Andrew Doidge (2-22) and Tyler Willmott (2-26) doing the damage with the ball.

That victory sets up a semi-final tie at home to Ilkley, who have turned their woeful league form around, progressing after cruising past Division 3 promotion-chasers Bolton Villas.

The semi-finals will take place on 10 July.  BY: EMMA KENNEDY