It was one of these formidable sides that Spen Victoria found themselves up against in the first round of the Priestley Cup. With four county players, including England Under 19's Greg Wood and Spen Victoria legend Chris Elstub, it was always going to be a difficult day for the Vixens.

After losing the toss, Bierley elected to bat on what was a sweltering hot day. As if the weather conditions were not enough, the Bierley batsman showed no mercy as they hit cleanly, using all the shots in the book to amass a total of 459 for 3. After Lee Goddard had opened with a steady 56, Greg Wood hit an impressive 155, aided in part by Andrew Rennison who himself reached 120 not out. It was left to Elstub to pour acid on the Spen wounds as he hit a swift 62 not out including an array of big sixes to all parts of the ground.

In reply, Spen Victoria always had a tough task reaching such a total. Overseas player Naeemuddin Qazi played well for 50 runs on what was clearly a good batting wicket, but his effort was in vain as his team were all out for 174.