THE weather accounted for all three league games last week, but both Walsh Cup semi-finals were decided.

Cup holders Silton travelled to play Tickle Toby CD on the Northallerton Town Ground and their batsmen made good use of the favourable conditions.

John Harper and David Thompson (30) opened up with a half century partnership inside seven overs before Chris Cowton (43) joined Harper in a second-wicket partnership of exactly 100 to take Silton to 152 in the 16th over.

A further 50 runs were added as Silton's batsmen thrashed the bowling to all parts of the ground and Harper finished unbeaten on 84.

When CD replied their fate was as good as sealed from the second ball of their innings as Richard Bentley (2-17) claimed the wicket of Albert Aurelius without a run on the board.

Despite having the luxury of such a huge total to defend, Silton's bowlers were not in charitable mood and Kevin Clarkson (2-18) backed up the good work by Bentley to leave CD requiring 164 from the final ten overs with six wickets remaining.

Nigel Outram was left to shoulder the responsibility for mounting this unlikely challenge and, despite his valiant efforts in making an undefeated 60, CD closed short on 82-5.

Ingleby Cross entertained East Harlsey in the other semi-final. The home side batted first and Sam Samarage (28) and Tony Doyle (39) showed scant respect for Harlsey's opening bowlers as 82 came from the first ten overs.

A score of at least 150 was on the cards, but Harlsey's change bowlers Robert Bellerby (4-25) and Dave Willey (4-18) redressed the balance and Ingleby were bowled out for a disappointing 126 in the 18th over.

Harlsey's reply got off to a shaky start when Alan Clemmit bowled Nick Barningham for a duck and this was followed up by an accurate spell from Dave Leng (3-18) to leave Harlsey struggling on 52-4 at the halfway stage.

Fresh momentum came with Willey's 44 from 32 balls, but when he became the first of Doyle's victims, Harlsey's hopes were scuppered. Doyle eventually weighed in with 4-15 to complete a valuable all-round performance as Harlsey ran out of overs at 97-9.

Ingleby will be looking for an improved performance when they take on Silton on Tuesday, July 19 in a repeat of last year's Walsh Cup final.