In the Bradford Cricket League Premier League, Woodlands nervously secured their fourth consecutive Premier Division title, despite suffering a 72-run loss to Farsley on a dramatic day. During this match, Conor Harvey from Townville made history by hitting six sixes in a single over, marking the first occurrence of such an achievement in the Bradford Premier League. Harvey’s remarkable feat came at the expense of Muhammad Hafeez.
On the upcoming Sunday, Harvey will face the only other player to accomplish this feat in the Bradford League, Pudsey St Lawrence chairman Chris Gott, when the two teams meet at Tofts Road. Harvey’s explosive batting performance contributed 55 runs to Townville’s total, following centuries by skipper Jack Hughes (121) and Tom Brook (100). Hughes smashed 17 fours, while Brook’s innings included four sixes and nine fours, propelling Townville to a formidable total of 342-9 at Bennett Lane. Mustafa Rafique (4-93) and Max Chappell (3-80) were the standout bowlers of the day.
Hanging Heaton, battling to retain their place in the Premier Division, responded with a total of 248-7, earning them nine bonus points despite a 114-run loss. Nick Lindley (53), Rafique (43), and Callum Geldart (37) were the top scorers for Hanging Heaton.
With Pudsey Congs suffering a 116-run defeat against Jer Lane and Bankfoot losing by 145 runs to Pudsey St Lawrence, the current standings heading into Sunday’s final games are as follows: Congs with 176 points, Hanging Heaton with 171, and Bankfoot with 158. Congs will play away at Farsley, Hanging Heaton will host Woodlands, and Bankfoot will compete against New Farnley.
Even if Bankfoot were to secure a 20-point maximum at New Farnley, it appears unlikely to be sufficient to save them from relegation. Charlie Best’s century (104) and Mark Robertshaw’s solid performance (77) in an opening partnership of 161 laid the foundation for New Farnley’s total of 278-6. Best struck 15 fours, while spinner Seif Hussain (3-87) stood out as Bankfoot’s best bowler. Unfortunately, Bankfoot could only manage 133 in their reply, resulting in a 145-run defeat. Majid Khan (39) and James Lee (32) were the top scorers for Bankfoot, while leg-spinner Archie Scott claimed an impressive 5-23.
Despite a 116-run loss to Jer Lane, Pudsey Congs managed to gather seven bonus points, keeping them clear of the relegation positions as they head into the final game.
Jer Lane’s overseas player, Israr Ullah, showcased his skills with a century (101), including four sixes and eight fours. Cosmond Walters accelerated late in the innings, contributing 70 runs to Jer Lane’s total of 291-8. Gharib Nawaz (35) and Hishaam Khan (34) also made valuable contributions, with spinner Sam Wisniewski continuing to shine as the best bowler for Congs, taking 5-70.
In the Congs’ innings, Yohan Mendis played a pivotal role with 84 runs as they reached a total of 176-9. Kyme Tahirkheli picked up 3-23.
Woodlands, despite a resurgent Farsley side, managed to reach 150 runs in their defeat. When they were reduced to 115-8, it seemed like their title celebrations might be delayed, but Kez Ahmed (29) helped them reach the required total.
Farsley deservedly claimed the victory, with Ryan Cooper (89) and Joe Pocklington (37) contributing to their score of 232. Muhammad Bilal took 5-71 for Woodlands, while Brad Schmulian (3-62) also performed well.
Although Woodlands secured the points they needed to clinch the title, they need to regain their form before defending their Yorkshire Premier Leagues title against the North Yorkshire South Durham League champions, Saltburn, next Saturday. The other semi-final will feature Castleford and Sheffield Collegiate, with the final taking place at New Farnley on Saturday, September 16.
In another match, New Farnley’s young opener Aidan Langley delivered a career-best performance, scoring an unbeaten 144 runs in his side’s seven-run victory over Methley. Langley hit two sixes and 15 fours, taking his season’s league runs past 800.
Supporting Langley, Alex Lilley (61) and Harry Killoran (44) played crucial roles as New Farnley reached a total of 299-6, with Josh Sullivan taking figures of 3-92 for Methley.
Despite the imposing target, Methley displayed a fearless approach, with Jordan Laban (58) indicating their positive intent early on. Captain James Wainman (75), Yasir Ali (56), and Jake Smart (43) launched a powerful counterattack. With four overs remaining, Methley needed 62 runs to win, but they managed to reduce the target to 13 runs in the final over. However, Alex Lilley’s crucial dismissals of Ali and Smart sealed the win for New Farnley. Yasir Abbas (5-37) and Bradley Reeve (3-45) bowled impressively for Bradford & Bingley, who bowled out Ossett for 146. James Keen top-scored for Ossett with 36, while Matthew Swallow, elevated to opener, remained unbeaten with 67. Supported by Jacob Slator (31), Bradford & Bingley comfortably secured a seven-wicket win.
