Copley Cricket Club showcased their remarkable recovery from a slow start to the season with a resounding victory over struggling hosts, Mytholmroyd, in the Halifax Cricket League Premier Division. The match, held at Mytholmroyd’s ground at Moderna Way, saw Copley assert their dominance as they bowled out the opposition for a meagre 63 runs. Ian Hartley (6-31) and Oliver Thorpe (3-16) led the charge, dismantling the Mytholmroyd batting lineup. From a reasonably stable position of 25-2, Mytholmroyd witnessed a catastrophic collapse as their last eight wickets tumbled for a mere 38 runs. Only their number 10 batsman managed to reach double figures. Copley chased down the target of 64 runs in just 15 overs, securing a comprehensive victory and maximum points.
Meanwhile, Oxenhope displayed an impressive batting performance at Luddendenfoot, amassing a formidable total of 303 all out. The innings was highlighted by Lee Broadbent’s brilliant knock of 97 runs, falling agonizingly short of a well-deserved century by just three runs. Skipper Joel Fothergill also made a significant contribution with a solid 61 runs. The humid conditions took a toll on the Luddendenfoot bowlers, as six of them struggled to contain Oxenhope’s relentless batting onslaught. In response, Luddendenfoot faltered, succumbing to the pressure and getting bowled out for 151 runs. Only one batsman managed to surpass the 20-run mark, as five Oxenhope bowlers shared the wickets, bolstering their chances of avoiding relegation.
SBCI faced a precarious situation on their home ground against Illingworth St Mary’s, finding themselves struggling at 85-7. However, Gnanasambandham Arjuna played a heroic innings, remaining unbeaten with 69 runs off just 41 balls, which helped SBCI post a total of 173 runs before being bowled out in the 38th over. Jack Hargreaves emerged as the top bowler for Illingworth St Mary’s, securing a five-wicket haul with figures of 5-65. Nonetheless, Illingworth St Mary’s showcased their championship aspirations, chasing down the target of 176-1 in a mere 28 overs. Gary Fellows spearheaded the successful run chase with an unbeaten century, scoring 107 runs, ably supported by Matthew Smith, who contributed 56 runs. Illingworth St Mary’s remains nine points behind the league leaders, Thornton, as they continue to apply pressure in the title race.
At Walton Street, Sowerby Bridge faced an early setback, finding themselves struggling at 66-5 against Thornton. However, their lower middle order, led by captain Liam Turner’s resilient knock of 53 runs, staged a remarkable comeback, eventually posting a respectable total of 186 all out with just one ball remaining. Josh Hutchinson was instrumental in Thornton’s bowling attack, claiming four of the last five wickets with figures of 4-26. Thornton had little trouble in pursuit of the target, cruising to victory with 190-2 on the board. Hutchinson played a pivotal role once again, remaining unbeaten with a splendid century, scoring 102 runs, while Max Rawson contributed an unbeaten 54 runs, sealing maximum points for Thornton.
Triangle enjoyed a fruitful outing during their visit to Blackley. After being put into bat, Triangle posted a challenging total of 256-8. Nathan Madden top-scored with a well-compiled 60 runs, supported by Joshua Graham (43 not out), Kurtis Whippey (40), and Carl Fletcher (39). In their chase, Blackley encountered considerable difficulty and failed to secure their first win of the season, ultimately getting bowled out for 195 runs. Sam Mindham’s resilient knock of 71 runs and Conor Greenwood’s 39 runs set up an encouraging 125-run partnership for the first wicket. However, once the partnership was broken, Blackley’s batting lineup crumbled, losing all ten wickets for a mere 70 runs. James Callighan capitalized on their batting frailties, claiming an impressive six-wicket haul, finishing with figures of 6-65.
In another encounter, Booth enjoyed the sunshine and the runs as they posted a competitive total of 240-8 against third-placed Bradshaw. Hasnain Wajid top-scored with 65 runs, while Steven Senior contributed a valuable 45 runs. Anthony Langton performed well for Bradshaw, taking four wickets for 60 runs. Bradshaw struggled to keep up with the required run rate throughout their chase, eventually falling short and getting bowled out for 177 runs in the 42nd over. Johnny Lister’s commendable knock of 56 runs was overshadowed by the bowling prowess of Moazzam Ayub, who claimed an impressive six-wicket haul, finishing with figures of 6-48. Booth emerged victorious by a margin of 63 runs, further solidifying their position in the league standings.
The Halifax Cricket League Premier Division continues to provide enthralling cricket action as teams battle it out for the coveted title. The competition remains fierce, with Copley, Oxenhope, and Illingworth St Mary’s displaying their championship aspirations by delivering impressive performances in their respective matches.
