Bridge hoping home advantage will help them upset the odds
Astley Bridge are the only Championship side present, alongside Read and Little Lever and Padiham. The latter two contest the morning semi (10.30am).
Bridge face Read at 1pm before a 4.15pm final.
Read are the current Premiership leaders and Hamer Cup champions and have only lost twice in all competitions in 2025.
But second-tier Bridge have won all six T20 games played so far this season, including five of those against top division clubs.
'That's good for our confidence,' said captain Syd De Silva.
'Everybody has chipped in so far, and we've managed to get the job done.
'I first talked to you before the Hamer Cup and said that we wanted to have a good cup run. Unfortunately, we were knocked out in the second round of that.
'But, after winning the first two T20s, I said to the lads, 'Come on, let's really try and get through in this'.'
De Silva and company finished top of Group Three South, prevailing ahead of Farnworth, Eagley, Blackrod, Brinscall and Atherton. They then beat Tonge in the quarter-finals last week.
Two things stand out from their campaign. One, they have used at least six bowlers in every match. Two, they have been helped by a host of important middle-order contributions with the bat.
Batting all-rounder De Silva said: 'I've got two left-arm spinners, two leg-spinners, two off-spinners and four medium-pacers.
'I've got pretty much every department covered with the ball, and it's amazing as a captain.
'Rather than going top heavy with the bat, I spread it accordingly. What I do is I name the top seven batsmen and then say, 'You all pad up and stay ready'.
'You can name a top seven in order, but it doesn't always go like that.
'That's worked in our favour so far, and hopefully it will again in the semi-final and the final.'
One of those middle-order contributors, South African overseas amateur Ulli Bronkhorst, has been their leading competition run-scorer with 187 from six matches, while Joe Ducker is the overall leading wicket-taker in the competition with 15.
Their professional, Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter Dhanushka Dhamasiri, will also be key to their hopes.
Aside from winning a trophy, which is clearly special for any club, Bridge will be hoping success on the day can have a positive impact on their league form.
One of the pre-season promotion favourites from the Championship, they have not really got going yet, winning six and losing five in 12 games. They are mid-table just beyond the halfway point in the summer.
'I've been a little bit disappointed with the league,' said De Silva. 'Of the five games we've lost, there was only one - Baxenden at the end of May - when we've really been beaten.
'The other four games, we were in winning positions.'
De Silva says it means 'absolutely everything' for Astley Bridge as a club to be hosting Finals Day at their Sharples Park home.
'When we start the season, we talk about what we can do that's good for the club,' he continued. 'Trying to bring more junior players into the club is one thing.
'If we manage to go on and win this competition, that's good for the club and us as players. But a club that wins things is always good for attracting people.
'There was a lot of our juniors and their parents watching us in the quarter-final at Tonge last week. It was incredible. I'm sure it will be the same again on Sunday.'
Last season, Read were second-tier champions and Hamer Cup winners. They have come up and are immediately flying high at the top of the Premiership and remain in the hunt for the double having reached T20 Finals Day.
And Astley Bridge qualifying for Finals Day as a Championship club is a further indication of the strength of the NWCL.
'I don't think there's much difference in the standard between the Premiership and the Championship,' added De Silva. 'This league is going incredibly well, and the competitiveness is very high.
'I haven't played against Read yet, but they are looking really good. I'm not worried about it, though.
'We can definitely go and beat them if we play how we have been doing in this competition.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
18 minutes ago
- Yahoo
England star Jess Carter targeted by racist abuse during Euros
England star Jess Carter says she has been the victim of racist abuse online during the UEFA Women's Euros in Switzerland. The Lionesses defender, who has 49 England caps, said she will be "taking a step back from social media and leaving it to a team to deal with". In an Instagram post, the 27-year-old player said: "From the start of the tournament, I have experienced a lot of racial abuse. Whilst I feel every fan is entitled to their opinion on performance and result, I don't agree or think it's ok to target someone's appearance or race." Carter said she was stepping back from social media to "protect myself in a bid to keep my focus on helping the team anyway I can". She added: "Hopefully speaking out will make the people writing this abuse think twice so that others won't have to deal with it." Carter also said that England have made some "historic changes with the Lionesses squad" that she was "so proud" of, and she hopes that by speaking out about racial abuse "it will make another positive change for all". The Football Association leadership has condemned the "abhorrent abuse" against Carter and has contacted UK police about it. FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said in a statement: "Our priority is Jess and giving her all the support she needs. We strongly condemn those responsible for this disgusting racism. "As soon as we were made aware of the racist abuse Jess received, we immediately contacted UK police. They are in touch with the relevant social media platform, and we are working with police to ensure those responsible for this hate crime are brought to justice." The Lionesses said in a statement: "We stand with Jess and all Lionesses players past and present who have suffered racism. "No one should have to endure such vile abuse, be that in football or any walk of life." They added: "Those behind this online poison must be held accountable." Carter has started all four of England's games at the tournament. The defending champions face Italy on Tuesday night in Geneva in the Euros semi-finals. If they win and reach the final, they will play either Germany or Spain, who face each other on Wednesday. The Lionesses also said that until now, they have chosen to take the knee before matches. "It is clear we and football need to find another way to tackle racism," they said. England to remain standing before semi-final The Lionesses said they have agreed as a squad to remain standing before kick-off in the match against Italy. "We hope the game can come together to see what more can be done." Kneeling, a symbolic anti-racism gesture, came to prominence in 2016 when NFL player Colin Kaepernick knelt in protest during the United States national anthem and became more widespread during the Black Lives Matter movement. This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the latest version. You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.
Yahoo
18 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Report: Rashford's Future Uncertain as Exit Talks Intensify at United
Report: Rashford's Future and United's Challenges Discussed on That's Entertainment Podcast Manchester United's ongoing struggles and the future of Marcus Rashford took centre stage in the latest episode of the That's Entertainment podcast, hosted by Mark Goldbridge. The candid discussion between Goldbridge and his contributors highlighted key concerns around Rashford's future at Old Trafford, and the broader issues impacting United's trajectory. Rashford's Exit: What the Podcast Revealed Mark Goldbridge did not hold back when addressing the possibility of Rashford's exit from United. 'Marcus Rashford has to think long and hard about where his career is going,' Goldbridge said, emphasising the player's need for clarity over his role in the squad. The discussion pointed to a sense of uncertainty surrounding Rashford's long-term commitment to the club. Goldbridge added, 'It feels like Rashford is at a crossroads. United need him to lead from the front, but if the club can't provide stability or a clear plan, it's understandable why exit talks come into play.' This candid take was supported by contributors who agreed that Rashford's potential departure would be a huge blow to United's ambitions. One contributor noted, 'If Rashford does leave, it will be a massive blow. He's not just a player; he represents the club's identity.' The consensus was clear that United's management must act decisively to prevent losing one of their most influential talents. United's Struggles and Need for Stability Throughout the episode, the panel dissected the wider struggles United are facing under their current management. Goldbridge pointed out, 'United have been a club without a clear direction for far too long.' This lack of clarity, the podcast suggests, contributes heavily to key players like Rashford contemplating their futures elsewhere. Another contributor added, 'When you don't have a coherent vision, it's tough for players to commit. Rashford's situation reflects a deeper issue at United.' The podcast emphasised the importance of a united front at Old Trafford, not just on the pitch but in the boardroom and coaching staff. Goldbridge highlighted, 'You can see the frustration in Rashford's game. He's trying to carry a team that isn't fully behind him.' The episode called for urgent action from the club's hierarchy to stabilise the situation before the exit of more key players becomes inevitable. Impact of Rashford's Potential Exit on United's Future The discussion then turned to the wider implications of Rashford leaving United. Goldbridge warned, 'If Rashford walks, you're looking at a significant setback for the club's future.' His departure would not only leave a void in the squad but also impact the club's appeal to prospective signings. The podcast contributors concurred, with one stating, 'Rashford is a symbol of United's past and hopefully their future. Losing him sends a message about instability.' The sentiment was that Rashford's exit could trigger a period of rebuilding United may struggle to manage effectively. Goldbridge concluded, 'United need to show ambition and provide Rashford with reasons to stay. Without that, this exit talk will only grow louder.' The urgency was clear, underscoring the critical juncture at which United currently stand. This episode of That's Entertainment offers a stark insight into the crossroads facing Manchester United and Marcus Rashford. Mark Goldbridge and his panel laid bare the risks of losing a player so central to the club's identity and success. Their open dialogue provides fans and observers a nuanced view of the challenges ahead. The podcast highlights that Rashford's future at United depends not only on his personal decisions but also on the club's ability to offer stability, ambition, and clear leadership. As Goldbridge said, 'The club's future is intrinsically linked to what happens with Rashford.' Fans will be watching closely for signs of progress or further uncertainty.
Yahoo
18 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Scottie hurtles toward history while Caitlin Clark's season goes sideways
Good morning! Drink something out of your own Claret Jug today. Live Right Now: Scheffler closing in on history Scottie Scheffler is already in rarified air. But a win today would make him just the fourth player in golf history to win the Masters, PGA Championship and Open Championship all before age 30. The other three are Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player. We're talking about a different stratosphere. Here's where things stand atop the Open Championship leaderboard with 18 holes to play: Scheffler sits at 14 under par, four strokes ahead of the field thanks to a bogey-free round yesterday. The art of Scottie Scheffler is on full display. Haotong Li is closest to Scheffler, with Matt Fitzpatrick one stroke behind at 9 under. The numbers don't lend much oxygen to the hopes of a comeback winner. Oddsmakers have crowd favorite Rory McIlroy at 8 under as the most likely challenger to Scheffler's throne (+2000, via BetMGM). McIlroy shot a brilliant 66 yesterday, headlined by a 56-foot eagle putt and one of the most bizarre golf shots you will ever see. Playing his second shot from the rough on the 11th, McIlroy somehow unearthed another ball hidden below: The only weirder thing that could happen at Royal Portrush today? Scheffler conceding a four-stroke lead. It would take a miracle. The final pairing tees off at 9:30 a.m. ET, but you can follow the action all day with our live blog. Bookmark it. All-Star: Clark's season takes nightmarish turn When we last checked in with Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever, they were having an odd, halting start to the WNBA season. Clark had been in and out of the lineup, the team had unceremoniously waived a celebrated offseason acquisition and the Fever looked like they were struggling to find their sea legs in the early going. Things are worse now, even with a Commissioner's Cup: Clark has not looked right when she's played, and her shooting numbers have dipped badly from her rookie season. In particular, she hasn't been able to buy a bucket on the road, where she's made just two of her 35 3-point attempts. The Fever are a middling 12-11 at the All-Star break. Most distressing, Clark is hurt again, with her fourth non-contact injury of the season, all to different body parts. The timing of this one stinks; the WNBA brought its All-Star festivities to Indy this weekend, and Clark did not participate beyond her preselected role as a team captain. She missed not just the game but a highly anticipated 3-point contest appearance. Ben Pickman writes that Clark 'was set to be the affair's de facto representative.' Her return timetable is uncertain, but a bigger concern is how long it will take for her to look fully like herself. To see Clark miss 10 games has been jolting. In four years at Iowa, she did not miss a game and only seemed to get stronger as she took on more volume. More or less everyone in the WNBA has some reason to be upset about Clark's season. The league office just put on a marquee event — in which one of the teams was called Team Clark — without Clark on the floor. Other WNBA players, especially the stars, may be getting irritated with the apocalyptic terms in which Clark's absence is sometimes discussed. After all, the league has currently superior players who are playing, headlined by Napheesa Collier, MVP of last night's All-Star Game. And then there is Clark herself, not happy about it either. So, a question for Sabreena Merchant, a women's basketball staff writer for The Athletic: Who in the WNBA is most annoyed with how Clark's year is unfolding? 💬 Clark is easily the most annoyed party at how her season has gone, with Fever fans a close second. There were such high hopes for how she would perform after a full offseason of rest and recovery, considering the giant step forward she took after the month-long Olympic break as a rookie. Instead, she has been plagued by muscle injuries, the latest causing her palpable emotional anguish as she took herself out of the game. For Fever fans who also root for the Pacers, seeing Clark struggle after already losing Tyrese Haliburton to an Achilles injury has to hurt doubly. I hadn't thought about that last point, but what a brutal few weeks for Indy basketball fans. The Hoosier State turns its lonely eyes to you, new IU men's coach Darian DeVries. News to Know WNBA stars make statement As Napheesa Collier accepted the WNBA All-Star Game MVP trophy after a record 36 points last night, chants of 'Pay them!' rang out throughout the arena. It was a reference to the increasingly contentious CBA discussions between the WNBA and the WNBPA. The All-Stars took the floor last night wearing shirts that read 'Pay Us What You Owe Us.' Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said yesterday she is confident in a new deal getting done, but the players believe there's a long way to go. Read the full report. More news: In Women's Euros action last night, Germany pulled off a miraculous win over France despite being a goal and a player down 15 minutes into the contest. The semifinals are set. Manny Pacquiao, 46, made his return to professional boxing last night after a four-year absence. It ended in a controversial draw. The Lakers are set to sign former Defensive Player of the YearMarcus Smart after a contract buyout with the Wizards, sources told The Athletic. A fresh start for the longtime Celtic. Football season hasn't even started yet, but 14-year-old Brysen Wright made potentially the catch of the year at the NFL Flag Championships yesterday. In Women's Euros action last night, Germany pulled off a miraculous win over France despite being a goal and a player down 15 minutes into the contest. The semifinals are set. Manny Pacquiao, 46, made his return to professional boxing last night after a four-year absence. It ended in a controversial draw. The Lakers are set to sign former Defensive Player of the YearMarcus Smart after a contract buyout with the Wizards, sources told The Athletic. A fresh start for the longtime Celtic. Football season hasn't even started yet, but 14-year-old Brysen Wright made potentially the catch of the year at the NFL Flag Championships yesterday. Watch Guide 📺 Golf: Open Championship, Final Round | NBC until around 2 p.m. ET The final major day of the year in men's golf, before the Ryder Cup in a little more than two months. 📺 : Tigers at Rangers | 7:10 p.m. ET on ESPN Likely on his way to a second straight Cy Young, Tarik Skubal takes the mound for Detroit against Nathan Eovaldi, who's got an even better ERA (1.58) than Skubal's (2.23). The Tigers lefty has done it in 30 more innings, though. Pulse Picks After Scottie Scheffler raised questions about happiness and fulfillment, Rustin Dodd connected with a professor to find answers. They talked about a few light topics, like the key to finding meaning in life. As the Pulse's unofficial Sweden correspondent, I'm obligated to share my favorite Swedish delicacy — not IKEA meatballs, but candy. My personal favorites are Dumle, chocolate-covered toffees with an incredibly creamy filling (don't bite them!), and the cult favorite banana caramel Bubs. — Sam Settleman 'A data center like Meta's … guzzles around 500,000 gallons of water a day.' (🤯) You gotta read this story. — Chris Sprow This helpful guide to making smart buys at a sports card show. Old bits. When I was growing up, I used to think my dad was a wizard because he could predict when a traffic light would turn green. Now I do the same thing with my daughter and she shrieks in delight when I'm inevitably correct. Traditions matter. — Chris Branch Our recap of all things fashion on the orange carpet at WNBA All-Star Weekend. I'm a sucker for a true one-pot meal, and this is my latest fave — add a jammy egg! — Torrey Hart Ian O'Connor's strong column on why the NFL Players Association deserves better than Lloyd Howell Jr., the executive director who stepped down last week. We also have a timeline of Howell's tenure. Most-clicked in the newsletter yesterday: Ronald Acuña Jr.'s unbelievable outfield assist. Most-read on the website yesterday: The live blog from Oleksandr Usyk vs. Daniel Dubois 2. Ticketing links in this article are provided by partners of The Athletic. Restrictions may apply. The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication. This article originally appeared in The Athletic. WNBA, The Pulse 2025 The Athletic Media Company
