Cleckheaton’s lead cut as race hots up

The Moorenders, chasing a first lead title, are 26 points clear of Pudsey St Lawrence with three matches remaining after rain prevented any games being concluded last Saturday.

Rain halted play with eight overs of the Cleckheaton innings remaining after they reached 157-4.

Captain John Wood (60) top scored with support from James Lee (32no) and Mally Nicholson (30no).

That allowed St Lawrence to close the gap after claiming maximum batting points as they reached 263-3 against struggling Bradford & Bingley.

Champions Woodlands are 37 points behind Cleckheaton and are all but out of the title race, although they do host the leaders on the final day of the season.

Woodlands were shot out for just 110 against Morley, who had Matthew Dowse (4-25) and Nathan Bromby (3-43) in excellent form, despite the defiance of opener Sam Frankland, who top scored with 31.

Hanging Heaton also claimed maximum batting points, reaching 266-4 at bottom side Saltaire, who were 1-0 in reply when rain stopped play.

Gary Fellows moved onto 805 league runs for the season as he hit two sixes and 16 fours in a superb innings of 103.

He was joined in a second-wicket stand of 140 by Jamie Sykes (72).

East Bierley were also well set when rain intervened having reached 242 against Manningham Mills.

Former Woodlands batsman Nicky Rushworth (70), Neil Gill (59) and Waqas Maqsood (45) were the form East Bierley batsmen.

The Division Two derby between Gomersal and Hartshead Moor was delicately poised when rain also prevented a conclusion at Highmoor Lane.

Gomersal captain Adam Greenwood’s unbeaten 56 was supported with 38 from Greg Pickles as the visitors posted a challenging 188-7.

Hartshead Moor reached 35-1 in reply when play ended prematurely.

Division Two leaders Farsley were the day’s only winners as they beat Idle by seven wickets and have extended their advantage over New Farnley to 20 points with four matches to play.

Farnley dismissed Brighouse for 128 to collect maximum bowling points but the promotion race looks set to go down to the wire with third placed Spen Victoria breathing down their necks.