The 20-year-old hit an unbeaten 97 in just 64 balls as Ayton became the first club to win the cup for a third successive year
The 20-year-old hit an unbeaten 97 in just 64 balls as Ayton became the first club to win the cup for a third successive year.
Harper struck five sixes and nine fours on his home ground to see off Richmondshire, who set a tough target of 174 in their 20 overs in yesterday’s final.
But Harper - with superb support from Steve Pennock - made light of it. Pennock made 58 in 41 balls, hitting five sixes and four fours. The duo shared a partnership of 117, their ton coming up in just 59 balls to set Ayton on target to a six-wicket win.
Ayton lost professional Nick Hendrie early on, but that brought Harper to the wicket and he and Pennock treated the crowd to a big-hitting masterclass.
“With the target Richmond set us I had to go for it from ball one,” beamed Harper. “But I even surprised myself, because I haven’t had many runs this season.”
Earlier in the day Ayton pipped Marton in a close semi-final, while Richmondshire saw off Seaton Carew.
There will be a full report in the Gazette on Wednesday, when Great Ayton skipper Jon Grainge reveals why the cup win was his finest hour.
WHALID Ghauri fired Middlesbrough to their first league win of the season and out of the relegation zone in the Darlington Building Society NYSD League. He made an unbeaten 128 which included 13 fours and three sixes to leave hosts Sedgefield bottom.
Middlesbrough’s batting finally came good - Paul Johnston made 77 - as the side reached 265 for four.
Sedgefield were bowled out for 122, with Middlesbrough skipper James Lowe taking 4-29, as his side, rooted to the bottom for most of the campaign so far, moved up to third from the foot of the table.
Saltburn are second-bottom despite earning a draw at Darlington. The home side made 164 for nine, Saltburn skipper Steve Purcifer snapping up three wickets for just eight runs. Saltburn reached 146 for seven in a result that will give them encouragement.
Richmondshire won at Hartlepool to cut Darlington’s lead to 33 points. Pool were bowled out for just 81, the Dalesmen romping home by nine wickets as they chase a third consecutive title.
Stokesley had the better of a draw with Marske. For Stokesley Jonny Weighell made 87, while James Beaumont was unbeaten on 68 and William Brown unbeaten on 66. He hit three sixes as Stokesley made 278 for three.
But Nadeera Nawela made 69 as Marske reached 158 for six.
Marton had four wickets in hand when they finished 23 runs short of Barnard Castle in a high scoring draw.
Lee Hodgson hit 90 for Marton, while Sam Jones struck an unbeaten 85 as the side’s improved form continued.
The runs also flowed for Great Ayton, who beat Seaton Carew by 128 runs. Nick Hendrie and Chris Batchelor put on 190 for the first wicket.
Batchelor fell for 99, but Hendrie made a century, scoring 101 before becoming one of Dan Thomas’ six victims.
Seaton didn’t threaten the target of 239, being bowled out for 110. David Grainge took four wickets and Chris Witherley snapped up three.
Guisborough beat Redcar by three wickets, despite Redcar skipper Tom Urwin setting a fine example to his team with an unbeaten 115. He faced 152 balls and hit 14 fours and two sixes. But his side’s 214 for nine was not enough.
Stu MacKay took five wickets for mid-table Guisborough. Then Chris Allinson made 77 not out and Phil Holdsworth 58 as Guisborough won despite Muhammed Zahid’s four wickets.
Blackhall lead Division One after a 128 run win over fellow title chasers Whitby. Norton are in second place after a narow win over Bishop Auckland, the Teessiders edging home by one wicket. Bishops were all out for 205, Nick Thomas taking five for 76.
And Thomas also stared with the bat. While team-mates fell all around him, he made an unbeaten 75. Norton are 10 points behind Blackhall and 14 ahead of Whitby.
IN the Dukes North East Premier League Stockton are third as they battle to retain their title. They won by 142 runs at Gateshead Fell.
Stockton reached 290 for eight, Matty Brown making 91. Gateshead were dismissed for 148, Richard Waite taking three for 27. Stockton, despite picking up 30 points are 50 points behind South Northumberland.
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