The Halifax Cricket League Premier Division faced a series of challenges as heavy showers interrupted the district’s matches throughout the afternoon. Despite the inclement weather, six matches managed to reach a conclusion, with Bradshaw, SBCI, Warley, Augustinians, Outlane, and Upper Hopton emerging victorious in their respective encounters.
In a clash between league leaders Thornton and Booth, the visiting team won the toss and elected to field first. Booth managed to post a total of 161 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in 42 overs. Thornton’s bowlers kept the opposition in check, with Ross Parr particularly impressive, conceding a mere 27 runs and taking a couple of wickets in his 14 overs. Booth’s innings was anchored by Pat Thomas, who remained unbeaten on 57 runs and propelled the score from a precarious 100-7. However, rain intervened when Thornton had reached 121-4 in just 18 overs, putting a halt to the match. At that point, Josh Hutchinson was still at the crease on an unbeaten 52, with Thornton needing only 41 runs for victory.
At Bradshaw, the home team chose to bowl first against Triangle. The visitors managed to score 162 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in 34.3 overs before rain interrupted play. Opener Hayden Bruce provided a solid start, contributing 40 runs, but wickets fell regularly, and Triangle found themselves at 88-6. Despite a late surge from the lower order, Triangle set a target of 163 runs. Bradshaw’s response was swift and determined, with openers Matthew Crowther and Piers Fisher both making significant contributions. They reached 100-0 in just the 10th over, matching each other’s scores run by run. In the end, Bradshaw comfortably secured victory, reaching 163-3 in only 17 overs.
At Illingworth St Mary’s, five Copley batsmen put forth commendable performances, resulting in a total of 134 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in 28 overs. Unfortunately, the match was halted when the home team had reached 70-3, and the game could not resume due to the persistent rain.
Meanwhile, at Walton Street, Oxenhope won the toss and elected to field first against Sowerby Bridge. Sowerby Bridge managed to score 150 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in a reduced 37 overs. Tim Helliwell played a crucial innings, remaining unbeaten on 60 runs, while James Taylor added 32 runs to the total. In response, Oxenhope had reached 88-7 when play was abruptly stopped, leaving Sowerby Bridge disappointed. Notably, Jake Dixon had an exceptional spell, ending with figures of 9-0-43-6, which were unfortunately left incomplete.
In another match, Blackley chose to bowl first against SBCI. Alexander Scholefield’s quickfire 47 runs off just as many balls propelled SBCI to a total of 125 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their reduced 25 overs. Blackley, who had already suffered player losses, struggled in their chase and were eventually dismissed for just 87 runs, despite reaching 60-3 at one stage. Lewis Firth starred with the ball for SBCI, taking 4 wickets for 38 runs.
Luddendenfoot, playing against Mytholmroyd at Moderna Way, asked the visitors to bat first. Jack Earle remained unbeaten on 82 runs, while Jacob Travis contributed 59 runs, forging a strong partnership of 130 runs for the second wicket. However, the match was abandoned with Mytholmroyd on 157-3, just 17 runs later.
Overall, the Halifax Cricket League Premier Division faced numerous challenges due to the persistent rain showers. While only six matches were played to completion, these encounters provided some exciting cricketing action for the spectators.
