Bradford Cricket League Premier Division: Woodlands must await securing a fourth consecutive league title as Townville handed them their second loss of the season.
The reigning champions now find themselves needing seven points from their remaining two matches. They are slated to play against Farsley at home and face Hanging Heaton away. This situation emerged following their defeat by six wickets in a rain-affected match.
Contributions from Kieran Collins (64) and Tim Jackson (50) enabled Woodlands to post a total of 231 in their 50 overs. The bowling honours were claimed by James Glynn (3-47) and Conor Harvey (3-54).
Rain caused a loss of 30 overs, compelling Townville – who had suffered only two losses throughout the season – to chase a DLS-adjusted target of 137 within 20 overs. They managed to achieve this goal with 3.4 overs to spare, led by skipper Jack Hughes who remained unbeaten at 40.
The most gripping events of the day unfolded at the lower end of the league table. Hanging Heaton secured an eight-wicket victory against Bankfoot, while Pudsey Congs triumphed over Priestley Cup winners Bradford & Bingley by seven wickets.
This outcome has left Congs with a total of 169 points, while Hanging Heaton has accumulated 162 points and Bankfoot trails with 154. The upcoming weekend promises a nail-biting finish as these three teams vie to avoid relegation.
Hanging Heaton, scheduled for home games against Townville and Woodlands, continued their winning streak with Bradley Wood’s remarkable unbeaten score of 115. They chased down a DLS-adjusted target of 199 with 20 balls to spare. Wood’s innings featured four sixes and 16 fours.
Bankfoot had earlier set a target of 184-9 in 38 overs, with Danny Colehan (56) and Hamzah Iqbal (52) both hitting half-centuries. James Byrne claimed 4-45. This result enabled Hanging Heaton to move above Bankfoot, who now sit at the bottom of the table. Bankfoot’s next challenges involve away games against Pudsey St Lawrence and New Farnley.
In another match, spinner Sam Wisniewski (6-63) was the standout performer for Pudsey Congs, bolstering their bid to maintain a position in the top tier. Wisniewski’s efforts led to Bradford & Bingley’s dismissal for 172. Top scorers included Jack Luxton (41no), Bill Whitford (35), and Yasir Abbas (35).
Congs secured victory with the guidance of Yohan Mendis (53no), Hassan Butt (41), and Callum Oliver (35). This win will undoubtedly boost their confidence as they prepare to face Jer Lane and Farsley in their upcoming fixtures.
Gurman Randhawa, another left-arm spinner, enjoyed success for New Farnley. His figures of 4-40 helped dismiss his former club, Ossett, for a mere 105. This propelled New Farnley to a commanding 111-run triumph. Steve Bullen (38) shone with the bat for New Farnley, while Archie Houghton (3-57) was the most effective bowler for the home team.
Farsley seems poised to secure fourth place after defeating Jer Lane by 37 runs at Red Lane. Once again, spinners took centre stage, with Joe Pocklington (4-32) and Harry Sullivan (3-53) contributing to Jer Lane’s dismissal for 162. Kyme Tahirkheli (43), Israr Ullah (39), and Hishaam Khan (37) were the leading run-scorers for Farsley.
Farsley’s total of 199 owed much to the efforts of Daniel Revis (81) and Joe Pocklington (33). Overseas player Israr Ullah (4-24) posed the primary threat.
Only 41.3 overs of play were possible at Methley before the weather intervened. Visitors Pudsey St Lawrence had reached 191-6, with Harry Cullingford (58), Mark Robertshaw (35), Charlie Best (33), and Josh Priestley (33no) all contributing to the scorecard.
