Bradford Cricket League Premier Division defending champions, Woodlands, showcased their prowess with a resounding 91-run triumph against title contenders Townville, reaffirming their status as the team to beat this season. The comprehensive victory earned Woodlands a valuable 20 points and extended their lead at the top of the table to a comfortable 10 points, with New Farnley trailing behind.
Opting to bat first, Woodlands wasted no time in seizing control of the match, posting an imposing total of 290-6. Openers Tim Jackson (77) and Sam Frankland (43) laid a solid foundation, allowing Muhammad Bilal (44) and Brad Schmulian (41) to capitalise on the pressure built by their predecessors, tormenting the Townville bowlers.
In response, Townville’s chase got off to a shaky start, losing early wickets and finding themselves at a precarious 23-3. Captain Jack Hughes (58) spearheaded a valiant fightback, receiving support from Tom Brook (39), James Glynn (38), and Conor Harvey (31). However, the Woodlands bowlers remained resolute, sticking to their task and ultimately bowling out Townville for 199. Spinner Kez Ahmed (4-50) and Muhammad Bilal (3-44) shone with the ball, ensuring Woodlands’ victory.
Meanwhile, New Farnley continued to assert their presence in the title race with a convincing eight-wicket win against Ossett. Electing to bat first, Ossett struggled against a disciplined New Farnley bowling attack led by Usman Arshad (4-35) and Adam Ahmed (3-56). Despite a fighting knock of 55 from skipper William Wade, Ossett could only muster a modest total of 171 before being bowled out.
New Farnley wasted no time in chasing down the target, achieving victory in just 24.1 overs. Lee Goddard (74*) and Steve Bullen (52) formed a formidable partnership, sharing a crucial 118-run stand for the second wicket. Bullen’s impressive performance continued, having scored a century and six fifties in his last nine innings.
At the lower end of the Premier Division table, Bankfoot delivered a resounding blow to Hanging Heaton, securing a commanding 130-run win and climbing out of the relegation zone. James Lee proved to be the star performer, notching up an impressive century (127) with the bat and following it up with a commendable bowling spell of 4-69. Lee’s captain, Hamza Iqbal, also excelled, contributing a crucial century (100) during a third-wicket partnership worth 191 runs.
Bankfoot’s dominant display saw them post an imposing total of 297-6. In reply, Hanging Heaton faltered, with opener Nick Lindley (47) being the lone contributor. Ultimately, they were dismissed for 147, falling significantly short of the target. James Lee and leg spinner James Massheder played pivotal roles, sharing the bulk of the wickets with figures of 4-69 and 3-21, respectively.
Pudsey Congs faced a setback as they slipped into the bottom two following a 23-run defeat against Bradford & Bingley. Bradford & Bingley skipper Ed Brown emerged as the standout performer, delivering an all-round display by scoring 65 runs with the bat and registering his best bowling figures of the season (6-52).
Supported by Yasir Abbas (43), Jack Luxton (36), and Jacob Slator (34), Brown played a crucial role in his team’s total of 244-7. Despite the efforts of Rishi Chopra (3-30) and Sam Wisniewski (3-79), Pudsey Congs fell short in their chase, eventually being bowled out for 221.
Park Avenue witnessed another thrilling finish as Jer Lane secured a narrow three-wicket victory over Farsley. Building on a second-wicket partnership of 116 between Adal Islam (66) and Israr Ullah (59), Jer Lane successfully chased down Farsley’s total of 244-7 with just two balls to spare. Farsley’s bowler Dan Revis (4-53) displayed a commendable performance, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Jer Lane’s triumph.
In another encounter, despite Luke Patel’s century (100) for Pudsey St Lawrence, fourth-placed Methley emerged victorious by three wickets. Patel’s brilliant knock, comprising a six and 14 fours, propelled St Lawrence to a competitive total of 267-7. However, Methley mounted a remarkable recovery from a precarious 56-4, led by Yasir Ali (77), Jake Smart (67), and Josh Sullivan (55), eventually sealing the win with nine balls remaining.
As the Bradford Cricket League Premier Division enters a crucial phase, Woodlands’ commanding victory reaffirms their championship credentials. With New Farnley hot on their heels, the battle for the title promises to be an enthralling contest in the coming weeks.
