Dramatic twist in race to finish top

Paul Marlow hits out on his way to 58 during Liversedges rain affected game at Wakefield St Michaels last Saturday.

Hopton Mills were awarded six points from their match after opponents Caribbean refused to re-take the field following a lengthy delay.

Bottom side Caribbean were in deep trouble at 39-6 from 14.4 overs when heavy rain hit Woodbottom.

Hopton players began the mopping up process and, after three pitch inspections, the umpires declared the pitch fit but Caribbean refused to re-start the game.

Michael Carroll was in terrific form as his six over spell cost just one run and included three wickets with support coming from Richard Myers (3-32) before rain stopped play and the result leaves winless Caribbean 29 points adrift at the foot of the table..

The winning points Hopton gain has seen them close the gap on leaders Liversedge to just two points.

Paul Marlow hit seven fours and two sixes in a top score of 58 as Liversedge reached 107-5 against Wakefield St Michael’s before rain halted proceedings.

East Ardsley moved up to fourth place, three points behind Hopton and four adrift of Liversedge, following an 83-run victory over Oulton, who drop into the bottom two.

Third placed Azaad reached 76-4 from 28 overs against Northowram Fields before the match was abandoned.

Great Preston moved 10 points clear of East Leeds at the top of Division One following an 80-run victory over Mirfield.

With East Leeds having no fixture, Great Preston took full advantage as they racked up 237-7 and with the threat of rain, declared their innings after 33 overs.

Danusha Ranasinghe led the way with 64, while James Bickerdike (36) and Matt King (30) supported before Andrew Clarke clattered two fours and three sixes in his 30 not out from just 13 balls.

Andrew Young (4-91) and Alexander Pearson (3-65) were pick of the Mirfield bowlers.

Mirfield were dismissed for 157 in 36 overs of their reply despite the efforts of Young (48) and Philip Scouller (39).

Lee Russell did most of the damage, claiming 4-19 from nine overs, while Clarke supported with 3-55.

Adwalton reached 25-0 from seven overs of their derby clash against Gildersome, while just two overs were possible at Crossbank Methodists, where the home side reached 9-0 against Rodley.