EAST Bierley will return to Pudsey Congs on Sunday hoping to finally conclude their rain-affected Priestley Cup semi-final.

The game started at 5pm on Sunday August 10 but just 31 overs were possible before rain stopped play with Bierley on 101-3.

The sides have tried in vain to resume the match on several midweek nights and last Tuesday the Bradford League management board took the unprecedented decision to switch the Priestley Cup final, scheduled for this Sunday, to September 14.

The semi-final will therefore resume on Sunday (noon) and continue on Bank Holiday Monday and throughout next week if it is not completed.

League chairman Graham Reid said: “These are exceptional circumstances and the board has had to take into account many factors. It is vital that over the next few days that Pudsey Congs are able to put in the work needed to make the conditions playable.”

Bierley chairman Ray Davis said: “I understand the league are in a predicament and we have got to get the game played but I just hope we can get the right result.”

Returning this Sunday may work in Bierley’s favour as they would have been without several players had they been forced to return midweek.

Scotland international Gavin Hamilton, who is 29 not out in the semi-final, is available and Bierley are hoping he can re-produce the same kind of form that saw him impress in the one-day international against England on Monday at Edinburgh.

Mitch Claydon is not involved in the semi-final, as he was called into Durham’s Pro40 game on the original date, while there is a doubt over Scott Douglas, who is set to feature in the Bradford League’s Joe Lumb final team this Sunday.

With Douglas still to bat, Bierley are keen that he is allowed to play for them but they have requested to the league that should Douglas be taken into the Joe Lumb side, they be allowed to play a substitute batsman.

The Priestley Cup is the only realistic chance of silverware for Bierley’s first team this time after last Saturday’s defeat by Woodlands left them 50 points behind the first division leaders with five matches remaining.

Bierley will be aiming to make it an all South Bradford Priestley Cup final as double-chasing Woodlands await the winners, having defeated Cleckheaton.

With tomorrow’s Division One game between Pudsey Congs and Hanging Heaton in doubt, because of the waterlogged Britannia Ground, Woodlands will look to take advantage at Bradford and Bingley.