Copmanthorpe’S hopes of a York Vale Cricket League double were shattered.

They lost in the final of the HPH Cup to North Cave by 77 runs just 24 hours after being outplayed by first division leaders Stockton & Hopgrove in the race for the title.

Cave only made it through to the final at Hemingbrough because Heworth, the side that beat them in the semi-final, were eliminated from the competition as the Elmpark Way outfit played ineligible players in that match.

The East Yorkshire side made the most of their reprieve with a fine all-round display which favourites Cop could not match.

An outstanding innings of 80 by James Ferguson enabled Cave to total 193, Adam Mosely taking 4-42.

Andy Northfield (37) gave Copmanthorpe a flying start but the introduction of slow bowlers Mike Stellings (3-27) and John Buttle, who finished with excellent figures of 6-3-5-4 saw Copmanthorpe bowled out for 116.

The trophy was presented by Charles Walker, a partner with sponsors HPH, the York-based accountancy firm.

The outstanding Scothern Construction Cup semi-final was between the best two sides in division three, Thorpe Willoughby and York RI, and proved surprisingly one-sided.

RI were bowled out for 75 on their own track as four Thorpe bowlers took two wickets each.

The bowlers were admirably supported in the field, with Ross Powell taking no fewer than five catches, including three reflex efforts at silly mid-off. The Thorpe reply was led by Nasir Shefta (8) and Lewis Smith (39 not out) at the top of the order.

Shefta was given out leg before, but Powell (13no) came in to reach the target in just 17.1 overs.

Thorpe Willoughby will play Hirst Courtney in the final at Hemingbrough on Sunday, August 7.

North Duffield and Woodhouse Grange will contest the Prendergast Memorial Trophy at Pocklington on August 28.

Scott Shepherd (106no), struck his maiden century as Grange thrashed Goole Town by 130 runs in their semi-final. He shared in a second-wicket stand of 123 with R Daniels as Grange piled up 271-2.

Goole were bowled out for 141, Grange having the luxury of using nine bowlers, S Shipley being the most successful with 3-22.

James Lacey was North Duffield’s matchwinner against Acomb, taking 4-30 and finishing undefeated on 61 in a seven-wicket win.

• Full Vale League report in tomorrow’s edition of The Press