Bradford Cricket League Premier Division witnessed an enthralling clash on Saturday, 1st July 2023, as Townville showcased their determination to challenge Woodlands for the Premier Division title. All-rounder Conor Harvey emerged as a key player, leading his team to a well-deserved 16-run victory over New Farnley.
Harvey played a crucial role with the bat, scoring a timely 47 runs to help Townville reach a competitive total of 223-9. He then showcased his bowling prowess by dismantling the home team’s batting lineup with an impressive spell, claiming four wickets for 52 runs. However, this victory was not solely Harvey’s triumph, as several other players made significant contributions.
Opener Abdul Wahid (47), skipper Jack Hughes (33), and Harry Clewett (31) all played valuable innings, adding to Townville’s total. Additionally, Australian paceman Austin Humphrey displayed his skill at the right moment, achieving his career-best figures of 4-29.
Townville also received assistance from their substitute fielder, James Glynn. Despite being ruled out of the match due to a broken thumb, Glynn took to the field when Alex Page suffered an injury. He made his presence felt by taking two catches, contributing to New Farnley’s restricted total of 207-9.
On a disappointing day for New Farnley, spinner Gurman Randhawa (4-64) emerged as their best bowler. However, their efforts fell short as Townville secured the win. New Farnley’s top scorers were Usman Arshad (55 not out), Cam Fletcher (45), and Alex Lilley (35).
With Woodlands clinching a comprehensive 70-run victory over Pudsey Congs and earning the maximum 20 points, the defending champions now lead the table with 220 points. Townville follows closely behind, trailing by 33 points. New Farnley sits 10 points further behind, having played one game less.
Woodlands’ formidable batting lineup once again proved instrumental in their victory. Openers Tim Jackson (63) and Sam Frankland (54) laid a solid foundation with a century partnership, which was capitalized upon by Brad Schmulian, who remained unbeaten with 80 runs. Woodlands posted a challenging total of 283-6. Spinner Sam Wisniewski picked up four wickets for Pudsey Congs but at the cost of 104 runs.
In response, Pudsey Congs’ batsmen Yohan Mendis (75) and opener Sabir Mahmood (56) forged a promising third-wicket partnership of 107 runs. However, apart from Rishi Chopra (33), the team lacked support as they were ultimately dismissed for 213. Schmulian displayed his all-round prowess by claiming six wickets for 61 runs, while Elliot Richardson finished with figures of 3-40.
Jer Lane, known for their penchant for last-over finishes, ended their match against Methley in a thrilling tie at Park Avenue. The visitors managed to score an all-run four from the last ball, securing a total of 282-8. Former Jer Lane batsman Jordan Laban top-scored with 79 runs, and Eitan Litvin contributed 48 runs.
Jer Lane set a challenging target of 282-8 batting first, with Adal Islam (82) and Cosmond Walters (56) leading the charge. Left-arm spinner Cameron Sharp posed the main threat for Methley, claiming four wickets for 58 runs.
Farsley dominated their clash against Ossett, securing a resounding 208-run victory. Farsley openers Ben Wright (113) and Ryan Cooper (86) set the stage with an impressive partnership of 218 runs, propelling their team to a commanding total of 288-6. Wright’s knock included four sixes and 12 fours, continuing his fine run of form.
Ossett struggled in their response, with James Wade taking four wickets for 89 runs. The team could only manage a meager total of 80 runs, resulting in a comprehensive victory for Farsley. Yorkshire all-rounder Matthew Revis, fresh from his maiden First Class century against Gloucestershire, marked his season debut with remarkable figures of 5-21. James Rogers supported him with 4-32.
Bankfoot boosted their hopes of avoiding relegation with a crucial four-wicket win over Bradford & Bingley. Opening bowler Osama Ahmad shone with a five-wicket haul, claiming figures of 5-49, as Bradford & Bingley were dismissed for 169. Corey Miller top-scored with 39 runs. Bankfoot successfully chased the target with Hamza Iqbal’s unbeaten 67 and Majid Khan’s 38 runs, moving 19 points clear of the relegation positions.
Hanging Heaton endured another disappointing day as they collapsed to 98 all out, suffering an eight-wicket defeat against Pudsey St Lawrence at Tofts Road. Spinner Chris Marsden stood out with figures of 3-12 for Pudsey St Lawrence. Hanging Heaton’s modest target was quickly achieved by Archie Scott (41 not out) and Mark Robertshaw (40 not out).
The Bradford Cricket League Premier Division continues to provide enthralling matches and intense competition as teams vie for supremacy in their pursuit of the title.
