WOODHOUSE Grange are aiming to become the first Black Sheep Yorkshire Champions Trophy winners from the York & District Senior League when they meet Hoylandswaine in the final on Sunday, writes Mat Robinson.

Grange beat Bradford League champions Woodlands by 43 runs to earn themselves a place in the final against the Huddersfield League champions at Wrenthorpe (1pm).

Steve Burdett, the Sutton-on-Derwent side’s skipper, is delighted with the club’s run to the final, but admits it will be a tough challenge against a Hoylandswaine side who despatched Yorkshire League giants York in the last four.

“We started as underdogs and we were surprised to get through,” said Burdett.

“Hoylandswaine have a lot of quality throughout the side and are a very successful team.”

After a dominant campaign in the York & District Senior League premier division this season – they are well clear at the summit – Burdett admits winning the Champions Trophy would top any league triumph.

He said: “I have experienced a lot and have been a part of a league double but to beat Woodlands in the semi-finals was the best win the club have ever had.

“To win this one would outweigh any league success. To be good enough to win the final is a major achievement.”

Grange are closing in on their 13th league title in 18 years, which is proof of the talent in their ranks.

“The league has got a lot stronger, and to see a Senior League side in the Black Sheep final is proof of the hard work the league have done. It’s a credit to them,” said Burdett.

Woodhouse secretary David Farmer believes the fact Hoylandswaine have players with county experience will not be an issue in the final.

“We won against Treeton, which was a surprise. We beat Woodlands which was also a surprise, and we are the underdogs for the final, but that won’t faze the team,” he said.

“Hoylandswaine is a tough game, but we thought we were second favourites in the last two rounds.

“It’s undoubtedly a huge personal achievement for the players should they win it.”