Halifax Cricket League Second Division: Upper Hopton, who secured second place, played against Bradley & Colnebridge. Opting to bat first, the hosts declared at 167-7 after 37.2 overs, following three rain interruptions and an early tea. Their strategy was to bowl out B&C in order to earn maximum points. Notable contributions came from Harvey Lockwood (64) and Khalil Khan (5-39).
However, the subsequent events were unforeseen. Matt Broadbent delivered an astonishing performance with career-best figures of 3-2-1-8, including two hat-tricks, leaving the visitors dismissed for just 5 runs. Among them, eight batters failed to score, three managed one run each, and two extras were recorded. This outstanding display led to Hopton’s victory by a margin of 162 runs.
This remarkably low score is believed to be the lowest ever recorded in the League and its preceding competitions. Referring to President David Normanton’s records, the previous lowest for a First XI was Ryburn’s total of 12 on 23 August 1884. Notably, there is no documented instance of a double hat-trick ever being accomplished.
In other matches in the lower tier, leaders Augustinians maintained their pursuit of the title with an 85-run triumph against Old Town. Opting to bat first, Nasir Awan (66 not out) and Mohammed Zahid (42) were the standout performers, guiding the team to a total of 210-8 before declaring with two overs to spare. Subsequently, Muhammad Majid (4-36) played a pivotal role in dismissing Town for 125.
Cullingworth, positioned in third place and trailing the top two by 20 and 10 points respectively, secured a hard-fought victory against Sowerby St Peter’s. The hosts set a target of 176, with Adam Clarke contributing 50 to the score. Although an away win seemed uncertain at 112-7, Elliot Robinson (63 not out) and the ninth batsman, Michael Dennison (37), had different plans, ultimately guiding the visitors to victory with a total of 177-8 and 21 balls remaining.
Outlane celebrated a much-needed victory against Leymoor. Thanks to the combined efforts of Jonathan Krishnapillai (4-20) and James Mitton (4-32), the home team was dismissed for 105. In response, despite Martin Allison’s career-best performance of 6-53, Outlane secured a winning total of 106-8, primarily driven by Lee Mellor’s impressive 54 runs.
A total of 174-6 was posted by Oakworth against visiting Bridgeholme, with Charlie Shimmin (60 not out) and Jack Davison (52) as the main contributors. This came after a challenging start at 51-5. The visitors struggled to respond, managing only 143 all out as five home bowlers shared the wickets.
Queensbury also achieved a satisfying away victory against Stones, triumphing by 56 runs. Despite facing the efforts of William Thickett (4-39) and Tim Hallewell (4-59), Queensbury reached a total of 185 all out, with Oliver Challis making 62 runs. Stones’ response was limited to 129 all out, with Gareth Walker taking 4-55 and Kirstin Smith delivering a tight 14-over spell that yielded 3-29.
