The Second Division encounter at Upper Hopton’s Jackroyd Lane ground presented a challenging task for the visiting Bridgeholme batters. They faced a tough time, only managing to last less than 17 overs in their journey up and down the long stairway. Matthew Broadbent delivered a remarkable performance, securing a career-best figure of 8.4-3-20-8, which was the primary reason for Eastwood’s collapse, being dismissed for just 31 runs. Hopton swiftly chased down the target, scoring 32-1, thus maintaining their position in second place.
In another exciting match, leaders Augustinians faced a formidable test against Queensbury, prevailing with a narrow 12-run victory. Augustinians set the tone by posting 228-9 with standout contributions from Muhammed Israr (57), Qazafi Amir (54), and Mohammad Zahid (54). Joseph Clough put up a strong effort, taking 5-59 for Queensbury. However, Oliver Challis at the number four position became the star of the day with an outstanding knock of 125 runs in just 106 balls, achieving a personal best. Though Challis’s departure at 211-7 could have changed the outcome, the Queensbury innings eventually closed at 216 all out.
Cullingworth remained hot on Hopton’s heels with a 20-run triumph during their visit to Leymoor. Opting to bat first, Cullingworth reached 193-9, powered by Scott Pearson’s 65 and Charlie Beynon’s 58. Colin Johnson’s superb bowling display of 14-6-36-6 added excitement to the game. In response, Golcar’s spirited attempt fell short despite Martin Allison’s valiant knock of 77 runs. Unfortunately, only two other batters managed to reach double-figure scores, leading to an all-out total of 173.
Outlane widened the gap at the top, securing a crucial 15-run home victory against struggling Bradley & Colnebridge. Outlane’s batting effort amounted to 183 all out, with Farrukh Sultan’s 64 and Jonathan Krishnapillai’s 40 being the key contributions. Irfan Rashid’s impressive 5-44 kept Bradley & Colnebridge in the hunt, but their innings concluded at 168 all out, despite a hopeful 51 from Wajid Rafiq. James Mitton’s bowling performance of 4-45 sealed the victory for Outlane.
Old Town claimed a comfortable 59-run win against Oakworth during their first-ever visit to Boston Hill. The home team put up a solid score of 246-9, with Nazacat Ali (49) and Muhammad Nabeel (48) leading the charge, and all the top six batters contributing with 20 runs or more. Ellis Marshall’s bowling effort of 4-54 was noteworthy for Oakworth. In reply, Oakworth’s batsmen managed double-figure scores, but only Jake Keslinke (48) went past the 30-run mark. Shakir Malik’s 4-58 restricted Oakworth to 187 all out in the 38th over.
Sowerby St Peter’s faced a nail-biting finish against Stones, ultimately clinching a one-wicket victory with the help of a crucial last-wicket partnership of 33 runs between Patrick Lennon (18 not out) and Jack Rice (14 not out). Stones set a target of 151 all out, with Kevin O’Rourke top-scoring at 54. Ethan Pollard’s bowling performance of 4-50 made it an intense battle, but Sowerby St Peter’s managed to secure the win and 12 crucial points thanks to the last-wicket stand.
