In Division One, Carlton requires two points from their rescheduled match at Baildon on Sunday to avoid relegation after their 33-run victory over Batley. Overseas player Sanaullah Khan delivered a crucial performance for Carlton, taking 5-42 as they dismissed Batley for 114 in response to their own score of 147. Wasim Khaliq’s innings of 59 was another pivotal factor in Carlton’s success, with Tariq Hussain (4-28) and Nasir Totakhil (3-65) posing the main threat.
Baildon only needs a single point to secure their position and remain safe from relegation. They currently have 213 points, the same as Gomersal, but are ahead in the table due to a superior net run rate. Baildon secured a 34-run victory over East Bierley, with Skipper Kevin McDermott (57), Stefan Mather (33no), and Miraj Khan (32) contributing to a total of 238-6, while spinner Danny Cross claimed 3-52.
East Bierley were bowled out for 204, but the fourth bonus point they gained for surpassing 200 runs puts them one ahead of Gomersal and Baildon, ensuring they avoid relegation. Umar Abbas was the top scorer with 62, while Sam Kelly (4-47) and Jamin Barron-Toop (3-64) impressed with the ball.
If Carlton and Baildon secure the points they need, it will result in Gomersal’s relegation alongside East Ardsley, who suffered a 26-run defeat at the hands of Sandal, finishing fifth in their debut season in Division One. Australian Fergus McKenna put in another strong performance for Gomersal, taking 6-27 as Sandal posted 190 runs in their first innings. Matthew Westwood (47), Danny Riley (34), Sohail Hussain (30), and Kristian Shuttleworth (30) all contributed valuable runs. Gomersal were dismissed for 164, with Daniel Syme top-scoring with 34, while Kasun Madushanka (4-60) and Michael Carroll (3-43) did the damage.
Although East Ardsley faces relegation, they exit with the consolation of a 27-run victory over promoted Undercliffe. Overseas player Suraj Singh was impressive, hitting four sixes and 18 fours to reach 204. Zeeshan Qasim was the standout bowler for Undercliffe, claiming 4-36. Undercliffe were all out for 177, with only opener Danish Hussain (77) making a significant contribution, while Zeeshan Haider (3-42) and Ashley Pearson (3-44) boosted East Ardsley’s final day performance.
Cleckheaton skipper Richard Pyrah celebrated his retirement from cricket with an outstanding 160 not out, guiding his title-winning side to a five-wicket victory. Pyrah, a former Yorkshire player, smashed seven sixes and 19 fours as Cleckheaton chased down Yeadon’s total of 277-8. Ethan Lee (56) shared a fifth-wicket partnership of 167 with Pyrah. Gulsheraz Ahmed (86), Josh Watson (47), Gareth Lee (35), and Pasindu Thirimadura (33) were the main contributors to Yeadon’s total. Iain Wardlaw picked up 3-41 in his farewell appearance.
Finishing in third place, Morley ended on a winning note by defeating Birstall by two wickets. Harvey Winn (36) and Gordon Thomson (34) led the chase of their opponent’s score of 193, despite the efforts of Waqas Khan (3-58) and Dave McCallum (3-64). Rishi Limbechaya (70) played a crucial role in Birstall’s total, while Thomson claimed 4-39.
