SIX appeal was lapped up at last by the Hunters York Senior League Joe Lumb XI.

After previous appearances in the Joe Lumb Trophy final - in 1976, 1981, 1985, 1989 and 1999 - the York ranks finally lifted the coveted cup after beating Halifax by 41 runs at Northowram Hedge Top Cricket Club.

The start was delayed due to heavy rain reducing the match to a 32-overs-a-side affair.

York were invited to bat and Ben Hough got off to a good start, only to be bowled for 24 when looking well set.

Anthony Daniels then made a sound 28 as wickets tumbled around him.

Tom Pateman made a quick-fire 20, including three fours and a six, and was the only other batsman to reach double figures in a meagre total of 113 on the very compact ground.

For Halifax, the main scourge was fast bowler Grant Lockley, who claimed 5-15.

When Halifax replied, Pateman struck in his first and third overs, eventually collecting four wickets in an initial six-over spell to reduce Halifax to 27-5.

Dan Walton gave good support with 1-14, while Andrew Anderson weighed in with 2-22 and Alex Renton 1-7, supplemented by two fine stumpings from Daniels.

Pateman returned and clean bowled the last two batsmen to finish with 6-17, restricting Halifax to 72 all out, and leaving opener Glen Finn stranded on 27 no.

Skipper Stephen Sacks collected the trophy to the delight of the York management and supporters, with Pateman collecting the man-of-the-match award.

Updated: 10:58 Wednesday, September 01, 2004