Alex Lilley Century Sends New Farnley Into ECB National Club Championship Semi-Finals

Alex Lilley produced a magnificent Player of the Match performance as his superb century guided New Farnley to a memorable five-wicket victory over Woodlands at a packed and sun-drenched The Barry Jackson Ground, securing a place in the Semi-Finals of the ECB National Club Championship.

Having won the toss and elected to bat, Woodlands made an excellent start through Muhammad Bilal (82) and Mosun Hussain (79), who shared a commanding opening partnership of 153. Although New Farnley found themselves under pressure, they battled back impressively as wickets began to fall at regular intervals. Abhay Negi led the response with an outstanding spell of 3 for 49, claiming three crucial middle-order wickets, while Adam Ahmed (1 for 50), Gurman Randhawa (1 for 52) and Fletcher Coutts (1 for 63) also struck at important times. Woodlands eventually closed on a competitive 274 for 6 from their 40 overs.

Needing 275 to progress, New Farnley made a positive start before losing captain Aidan Langley for 19. Steven Bullen added 30, but it was Lilley who took complete control of the contest with a sublime innings. Displaying immense composure and class throughout, Lilley struck 107 from just 94 deliveries, including 13 fours and 2 sixes, anchoring the chase with a masterclass in controlled aggression. He shared a vital partnership with Ryan McKendry, who contributed a fluent 46, before Ed Brown kept his nerve with an unbeaten 36 to see New Farnley over the line.

New Farnley reached 278 for 5 in 38.4 overs, completing a thrilling run chase with eight balls to spare and booking their place in the next round of the national competition. Lilley’s outstanding century deservedly earned him the Player of the Match award, while the victory underlined the character and batting strength within the New Farnley side against one of the Bradford Premier League’s strongest opponents.

The reward for New Farnley’s excellent victory is a trip to the Midlands, where they will face Smethwick in the ECB National Club Championship Semi-Final on Sunday 23rd August 2026, with play getting underway at 12:00pm. Everyone at New Farnley Cricket Club wishes the players and management the very best of luck as they continue their pursuit of national honours.