Bradford Cricket League Division Two witnessed an intense battle as Bowling Old Lane overtook previous leaders Hartshead Moor with a commanding 119-run victory at Birch Lane. The match showcased a splendid performance by Farhan Hussain (78) and Hisan Ahmad (65), who forged a remarkable second-wicket partnership of 129 runs. Despite Australian bowler Leo Manteit’s commendable effort of 4-80, Bowling Old Lane managed to post a formidable total of 258-7. Hartshead Moor’s batting lineup struggled to make an impact, with only Craig Field (44) putting up a fight. Ultimately, they were bowled out for 139, with Ahsan Alishan’s impressive figures of 4-39 leading the Old Lane bowling attack.
Following their exceptional display, Hopton Mills secured the second position in the league standings. This achievement came after an outstanding performance by Tauseef Haider, who claimed remarkable figures of 8-42. Haider’s stellar bowling effort helped dismiss Liversedge for 159 runs, securing a narrow 20-run victory. The Liversedge bowlers Quadratullah Azizi (4-46) and debutant Mushtaq Ahmed (3-42), who boasts a record of more than 1,000 wickets in the Bradford League, showcased their skills but couldn’t prevent the defeat.
Meanwhile, Lightcliffe continued their upward trajectory in the league with a convincing 65-run triumph over Crossflatts. Alex Stead, Lightcliffe’s experienced opener, played a crucial role by setting the tone for victory with an impressive knock of 112 runs, including a six and 12 boundaries. Yusuf Malik (52) provided valuable support, contributing to a total of 250-7. Azhar Mehmood (4-46) and Nadeem Safdar (3-47) were the standout bowlers for Crossflatts. In response, Crossflatts were dismissed for 185 runs, with Safdar top-scoring with 41. Andrew Walker proved to be the most successful bowler, taking 3-39.
Abdul Rehman, the opener for Buttershaw St Paul’s, displayed a scintillating batting performance, propelling his team to a total of 264-5 against Keighley. Rehman’s unbeaten knock of 153 runs, featuring an astonishing 24 boundaries, played a pivotal role in securing an 11-run victory. Amar Ayoub (60) provided valuable support to Rehman’s innings. Keighley’s Ijaz Ahmed claimed 3-55 in a valiant effort, but it wasn’t enough to prevent their defeat. In Keighley’s response, Raees Hussain (54) and Johandre Barnard (52), along with Mohammed Shahnawaz (40), showed resilience. However, Mussawar Shah’s impressive figures of 4-64 helped Buttershaw St Paul’s restrict Keighley to 253 all out.
Leg spinner Sam Thewlis delivered an exceptional performance for Hunslet Nelson, taking 5-29, as they bowled out Northowram Fields for 158 runs. This paved the way for a comprehensive 98-run victory for Hunslet Nelson. Richard Gould’s valiant effort of 75 runs couldn’t save his side from defeat. When Hunslet Nelson batted first, Alastair Finn (58 not out), Thewlis (37), and Matthew Varley (32) contributed crucial runs, resulting in a total of 256-9. Joe Hough posed the main threat for Northowram Fields with his bowling figures of 4-50.
Wrenthorpe’s prospects in the league took a turn for the worse as they suffered a seven-wicket defeat against Heckmondwike & Carlinghow, leaving them in last place. Muhammad Shahnawaz showcased his exceptional form by taking 4-21, helping blow away Wrenthorpe for a meagre total of 80 runs. Wajid Hussain’s 41 runs provided some resistance but were insufficient to turn the tide in Wrenthorpe’s favour.
With each match carrying significant weight, the competition in Bradford Cricket League Division Two is intensifying as teams battle for the top positions and strive to avoid relegation.
