In a nail-biting encounter at Little Church Lane, fourth-placed Bradford & Bingley emerged victorious against Methley by a mere one wicket, thanks to the heroic efforts of their last-wicket pair, Jack Luxton and Reece Cockshott.
Initially, the situation appeared dire for Bradford & Bingley as they stumbled to a precarious 29-4. However, skipper Ed Brown, with an impressive knock of 67, and Yasir Abbas, contributing 46 runs, orchestrated a remarkable recovery with a fifth-wicket partnership of 111 runs.
Unfortunately for Bradford & Bingley, the departure of both batsmen in quick succession triggered a collapse, resulting in a score of 175-9. Just when all hope seemed lost, Jack Luxton and Reece Cockshott came to the rescue, adding a crucial 16 runs to help their team surpass Methley’s total of 190.
Methley’s James Wainman performed admirably, claiming 3-50, but it was not enough to prevent the defeat. Methley would be disappointed with their batting performance after winning the toss and electing to bat first in perfect conditions. Yasir Ali top-scored with 45, but the team struggled to break free from the shackles imposed by the fine bowling of left-arm spinner Bradley Reeve, who finished with impressive figures of 5-30.
Jer Lane Suffers Heartbreaking Last-Ball Defeat to Ossett
Jer Lane found themselves on the wrong end of a thrilling encounter yet again, as they succumbed to a three-wicket defeat against Ossett in a match that went down to the last ball.
The fate of the game was determined on the final delivery, as James Wade struck a boundary to secure a last-over victory for Ossett. Wade came in after Mubtada Akhtar was dismissed by Adal Islam on the preceding ball.
Despite the heartbreaking loss, Jer Lane showcased a valiant effort. Hishaam Khan (45) and Israr Ullah (39) steadied the ship after an early collapse, while skipper Raqeeb Younis contributed a well-fought 59. Mattie Race was the standout bowler for Ossett, claiming figures of 3-67.
Bankfoot’s Batting Woes Continue in Defeat to New Farnley
Bankfoot’s struggles with the bat persisted as they fell to a 42-run defeat against New Farnley, despite posting a total of 252-8.
Although skipper James Lee would be pleased with the eight points earned from the game, it was not enough to prevent Bankfoot from slipping further down the standings. Hamza Iqbal’s resilient knock of 73 and James Lee’s contribution of 45 were noteworthy, but New Farnley’s total of 294-7 proved insurmountable.
Steve Bullen led the charge for New Farnley with a solid 74, his seventh half-century of the season. Aidan Langley (56), Lee Goddard (46), and Harry Killoran (46) also made valuable contributions. Killoran later showcased his skills with the ball, taking 4-84 with his off-spin.
Woodlands Consolidates Lead with Victory over Hanging Heaton
Woodlands extended their lead at the top of the Bradford cricket league Premier Division with a commanding 56-run triumph over bottom-placed Hanging Heaton.
Contributions from wicketkeeper Greg Finn (64 not out) and Sam Frankland (55) propelled Woodlands to a strong total of 275-7. Hanging Heaton’s Nick Lindley claimed figures of 3-65 with his left-arm spin.
In response, Hanging Heaton’s overseas player Gagan Vats displayed his talent with a well-earned 59, marking his second consecutive half-century. However, the team faltered, and Bradley Wood’s 49 was insufficient to chase down Woodlands’ target. Muhammad Bilal (4-57) and Kez Ahmed (3-65) were the pick of the Woodlands bowlers, ensuring Hanging Heaton were dismissed for 219.
Townville Triumphs Over Pudsey St Lawrence
Townville emerged victorious over Pudsey St Lawrence, securing a 26-run win in a hard-fought contest. Skipper Jack Hughes starred with both bat and ball, scoring 81 runs and claiming 3-55.
Supported by Conor Harvey (39) and Tom Brook (32), Hughes propelled Townville to a total of 236-8, despite the efforts of Josh Dracup, who took 4-55 for Pudsey St Lawrence.
In response, Pudsey St Lawrence’s Archie Scott (70) and Luke Patel (61) forged a vital partnership of 109 runs. However, their team fell short, finishing on 210-8. Hughes received support from Australian player Austin Humphrey, who claimed 3-61, ensuring Townville sealed the victory.
Farsley Ends Losing Streak with Convincing Win over Pudsey Congs
Farsley put an end to their losing streak with a comfortable six-wicket victory over Pudsey Congs, who currently sit second from bottom in the standings, seven points away from safety.
Captain Matthew Lumb (3-22) and spinner Harry Sullivan (3-38) led the way with the ball, bowling out Pudsey Congs for a modest total of 129. Callum Oliver’s 38 was the only significant contribution for the batting side. Yorkshire wicketkeeper Harry Duke remained unbeaten on 42 as Farsley sealed the win, with Dan Revis (38) providing valuable support. Jamie Allen claimed 3-33 for Pudsey Congs.
This weekend’s Bradford cricket league Premier Division fixtures promise another round of thrilling encounters as teams battle for supremacy in the league standings.
