National T20 champions in town as Hanging Heaton stage ECB Area Finals

A large crowd is expected as Bradford League representatives Hanging Heaton, Woodhouse Grange, Barnard Castle and reigning National T20 champions South Northumberland meet.

There will be two semi-finals, with Hanging Heaton taking on Woodhouse Grange at 10.30am followed by the mouthwatering clash between South Northumberland and Barnard Castle, with the final to follow later in the afternoon.

Eight area finals are taking place across the country on Sunday with the winners qualifying for four regional finals on August 12 to determine who will play in the National Club T20 Finals at Derbyshire CCC in September.

South Northumberland won last year’s National T20 as they overcame C&R Hawks in the semi-final before a nailbiting final win over Wimbledon when they chased down the modest total of 117 to claim the trophy with man of the match Simon Birtwisle scoring 47.

South Northumberland are regarded as one of the best club side’s in the country having won the North East Premier League title 11 times since 2003 and they will be bringing a coach load of supporters to finals day.

Barnard Castle are the North Yorkshire and South Durham Premier League T20 winners and will also be well backed.

Yorkshire League North winners Woodhouse Grange — who defeated York on their way to the title —face an early start as they face the hosts.

Heaton qualified for the area finals by wining last year’s Bradford League T20 and they have already booked a place in next year’s national stages having beaten Methley a fortnight ago to retain their title.

Ben Kohler-Cadmore struck an 18-ball half-century in that win and there promises to be plenty of big hitting on show.

With coloured kit, black sight screens and pink matchballs being used it promises to be a spectacular occasion.

Admission is free but programmes (including a raffle number) will be on sale priced £2.