HEMINGBROUGH beat Burn in what many observers believe was the best-ever final of the HPH Cup.

Spectators at Heworth’s Elmpark Way were treated to a real Yorkshire Day thriller as the sides tied, having each totalled 226 – Hemingbrough winning courtesy of losing less wickets.

Hemingbrough’s heroes were 16-year-old Tom Collins, who scored an astonishing 150 not out, and Glen Crouch, who held his nerve to bowl the final over with Burn needing seven runs to lift the silverware.

Collins and Leyton Hallam (45) put on 121 for Brough’s second wicket with Adam Prescott taking two of the three wickets to fall. Collins ploughed on, scrambling two off the final ball of the innings to reach his 150.

Burn’s early batsmen struggled against the swinging ball in overcast conditions but, once the cloud cleared, Prescott (78) and Ray Adamson put together a 104-run partnership which was ended by Rich Topping (3-50).

Three wickets fell before Ashley Abbott, who was injured while fielding, came out with a runner to join Graham Parker in the middle with their side eight wickets down.

Parker smashed a six and two fours to speed Burn towards their target, but he was run out by Collins off the final ball going for a match-winning third run.

Both sides then had to consult the rule-book before Hemingbrough were confirmed as winners.

Hirst Courtney and Melbourne will contest the final of the Prendergast Memorial Cup on Sunday, August 22.

Division three leaders Hirst continued their sparkling form with a crushing 94-run win against fourth division Copmanthorpe II.

Phil Alford was the star of Hirst’s huge 291-6, smashing 101, which included five sixes and nine fours. He shared 176 in 26 overs with Craig Lawson, who hit ten fours.

Matt Oakes made a defiant 60 as Cop closed on 195-8.

Woodhouse Grange were bowled out for 135 by Melbourne, with Scott Shepherd making 52, and they lost by four wickets.