Burley's treble bid siull alive as Ben Rhydding reach first sem-final (From Ilkley Gazette)

Burley's treble bid still alive as Ben Rhydding reach first sem-final

10:24am Thursday 5th July 2012 in Sport

Burley remained on course to complete a third-successive Waddilove Cup triumph as they defeated gallant Ilkley to reach the semi-finals.

The holders were struggling at 13-3 in reply to Ilkley’s 127 all out when Ryan Cooper came to their rescue.

Cooper, who plays scrum half for Ilkley Rugby Club in the winter, made an unbeaten 68.

Ilkley will be kicking them- sleves for not making a bigger total. They lost their last eight wickets for 16 runs after opener Danny Bott’s half-century helped them to 111-2 Burley will now face in-form Collingham for the right to win a place in this year’s final which will be played at Ilkley.

There is also the attractive proposition of a derby clash with Ben Rhydding.

The Division One new boys reached their first semi-final by recording a 70-run win over Follifoot.

Ben Rhydding have gained only one league victory since winning promotion.

The weather denied them a second win against third-placed Kirkstall Educational on Saturday, and in the cup the following day, they made short work of Follifoot.

Robbie Miller (31) and a quick-fire 69 from Robbie Oldham saw Ben Rhydding to 186-9 before the bowling of Charlie Swallow (3-10) and Lewis Bolton (3-3) denied the visitors any chance of challenging that total, finally bowled out for 116.

To reach the final, Ben Rhydding will have to overcome Steeton, the side promoted with them last season but who have taken Division One by storm and are top at the halfway stage.

They showed little mercy for Division Two front-runners Green Lane, who were dismissed for 72, with the leg spin of Andrew Luxton producing 3-6 in seven overs. Craig Walton (45no) led the way as Steeton cruised home by nine wickets.

Burley’s hopes of a third successive cup triumph looked in danger for a while, Ilkley opener Danny Bott hitting a half century as his side eased to 111-2. But the visitors then lost their remaining eight wickets with the addition of only 16 runs.

The drama was still not over, Burley struggling to 13-3 before Ryan Cooper, the match-winner in the previous round against Beckwithshaw, again stepped up to the plate with an unbeaten 68 to guide Burley home.

They will meet in-form Collingham, who overcame Silsden by seven wickets – although the visitors did Division Three proud with a gutsy display, especially from Lee Bilbrough (50) and Craig Thornton (47), who put on 88 for the fourth wicket in their side’s 143 total.