Halifax Cricket League Second Division: At Bridgeholme, the home team began strongly against Old Town, amassing 168-3 in the initial 20 overs, despite the loss of both openers at 19-2. Skipper Javid Iqbal took charge against Town’s bowling attack, forming a swift partnership with Tuffique Butt (71), resulting in a rapid 185-run stand for the fourth wicket. Iqbal’s remarkable 148 runs marked his inaugural century, surpassing his previous best of 90 in 2021. Bridgeholme concluded at a challenging 297-8. Old Town valiantly pursued the target, led by Zulfiqar Ahmed (80) and Sagher Shaheen (42), but ended at 234 all out. The standout home bowler was Mazhar Hussain (4-38).
Despite posting a modest 133 all out, the leaders Augustinians remained on course for promotion, prevailing over Leymoor by 37 runs at Woodhouse Gardens. Muhammad Majid’s unbeaten 40 aided by Jack Earnshaw’s 5-58 showcased the visitor’s efforts. In response, Leymoor’s Martin Allison achieved 44 runs, while the hosts’ Yasir Arfat claimed 6-27, a career-best in the League this season. Leymoor ended at 96 all out.
Outlane, who secured a victory last week despite scoring only 88 all out, aimed to avoid a repeat in their home match against Stones. However, they were bowled out for a mere 67 runs this week. At 32-7, the target seemed improbable, but the tailenders managed to double the score. Elicia Pollard significantly contributed, with her figures of 10-4-21-6 marking a career-best in senior cricket. Stones advanced beyond the bottom three by surpassing Outlane, achieving a winning score of 68-2 in just 11 overs. Skipper Gary Hulme’s 47 not out in 37 balls ensured he kept his dinner appointment.
Batting struggles persisted for Bradley & Colnebridge as they were dismissed for only 77 all out at home against Cullingworth. Jack Rogers (5-33) and Elliot Robinson (4-11) were the main contributors to the visitor’s success. Cullingworth faced difficulties in their response, managing a narrow two-wicket win at 78-8. After opener Scott Pearson (35) fell at 60-4, four more wickets tumbled for 10 runs, with Khalil Khan claiming 5-10.
Eager to return to the winning track after a setback last week, Upper Hopton set a total of 142 all out at Queensbury. Although six batters made contributions, none surpassed 30 runs, with Gareth Walker taking 4-51. Hopton indeed reclaimed their winning form, dismissing the home team for 110 all out. Only James Myers (29) exceeded 25 runs, as all batters struggled throughout their 40 overs. Charlie Wightman’s figures of 10-3-18-4 underscored this point.
A similar batting pattern emerged at Sowerby St Peter’s against Oakworth. Six of the home team’s batters reached double figures, and a crucial ninth-wicket partnership of 61 runs between Jack Leonard (31 not out) and Patrick Leonard (32) propelled the score from 106-8 to a final 171-9. However, Sowerby St Peter’s missed eight crucial points in their promotion pursuit as Oakworth narrowly achieved the target at 175-9. Top-scorers James Powell (59) and Jake Keslinke (48) led Oakworth’s charge. The match hung in balance when the ninth wicket fell at 171-9, scores level. The spotlight then fell on Charlie Ruby, the hero of the hour – or rather, the second – as he struck a four off his solitary delivery.
