In the Bradford Cricket League Premier Division, Woodlands secured an impressive nine-wicket victory against Bradford & Bingley, bringing them closer to clinching their fourth consecutive league title. The match was highlighted by Muhammad Bilal’s extraordinary performance, smashing an unbeaten 60 runs off just 17 balls.
Earlier in the game, Woodlands’ bowlers, Brad Schmulian (5-23) and Tom Clee (4-24) wreaked havoc, bundling out the visitors for a mere 80 runs. The entire opposition team collapsed after a promising start of 46 runs from their openers. With Bradford & Bingley’s innings wrapped up, Bilal unleashed a stunning assault, and alongside his teammates, they chased down the target in a mere 4.5 overs.
Bilal’s fireworks included hitting consecutive sixes off Jack Hartley, who conceded 28 runs in just seven balls, two of which were wides.
Following this victory, Woodlands now stands at 295 points, leading the league with a 44-point advantage over New Farnley. The latter saw their game with Jer Lane abandoned after reaching 173-2 in 30.2 overs. Woodlands require only 56 points from their remaining five games to claim the league title for the tenth time.
Meanwhile, in another match, Farsley secured a convincing 105-run win against Pudsey St Lawrence at Tofts Road. The victory was built on a solid batting performance, with Chris Beech leading the way with an unbeaten 108, featuring three sixes and eleven fours. Openers Ryan Cooper (46) and Joe Pocklington (47) also contributed significantly to Farsley’s total of 237-3.
In response, Pudsey St Lawrence struggled against Farsley’s opening bowlers, James Rogers (6-34) and Joe Holderness (3-40), getting dismissed for 132. Harry Cullingford was the only standout batsman for St Lawrence with his score of 52.
The match between Hanging Heaton and Pudsey Congs at Bennett Lane was abandoned, with the home side at 35-2, chasing a DLS target of 147. Shabir Mahmood displayed patience and skill during his innings, scoring 59 for Pudsey Congs, while spinner Max Chappell (3-60) stood out for Hanging Heaton.
As the season progresses, Pudsey Congs and Bankfoot are tied at 142 points, with Bankfoot being disappointed by the weather for the third time in their last four matches. Their game against Methley was abandoned without a ball being bowled, similar to Townville’s clash with Ossett.
