Lumb’s devasting spell sees East Bierley to fine victory

Victory leaves Bierley 15 points clear of second-bottom side Farsley and owed much to a devastating spell of bowling from Matthew Lumb.

The former Farsley player returned superb figures of 8-39 in a terrific 11 over spell as Congs were dismissed for just 89, despite opener Callum Celdart making 52.

Bierley’s openers James Ford (30) and Mark Gill (23) gave their side a good start before six wickets fell for just 29 runs.

Gavin Hamilton steadied the nerves and saw Bierley over the finish line with 19 not out as they earned an important win to move up the table.

Cleckheaton’s hopes of winning a third straight league title are all but over after they suffered a 61-run defeat to unbeaten leaders Pudsey St Lawrence.

Saints openers Mark Robertshaw (115) and Adam Waite (90) produced a 197-run opening wicket partnership before Chris Marsden hit a quickfire 50 as the home side closed on 269-3.

Cleckheaton opener Tim Jackson took his tally for the season to 590 after battling away for an unbeaten 94 but the Moorenders were dismissed for 208 as Marsden (3-50) and Steve Watts (3-65) impressed.

Lawrence are 25 points clear of Woodlands at the midway point in the season and are favourites to claim a first league title in 24 years.

Woodlands earned a maximum 20 points after beating Lightcliffe by 97 runs.

Opener Duncan Snell hitting a maiden Bradford League century and his superb 144, including six sixes and 15 fours, helped Woodlands to 268-5.

Lightcliffe were reduced to 88-6 as captain Pieter Swanepoel (4-43) and the league’s leading wicket take Chris Brice (3-48) impressed.

Rob Burton hit six sixes in his innings of 70 but Lightcliffe were eventually dismissed for 171.

Hanging Heaton remain third but are now 50 points behind the leaders after they suffered a surprise defeat to Undercliffe.

Openers Nick Connolly (45) and Gary Fellows (38) gave Heaton a solid start before they faltered.

David Stiff rescued the innings, as he struck 66 from just 33 balls, including five sixes and six fours.

Stiff hit three big sixes in the final over as Heaton reached maximum batting bonus points on 225-7.

Undercliffe overseas player Fahim Ashraf (75) put his side on track before Liam Brearley (46no) and Michael Kelsey (30no) steered the visitors to an impressive four-wicket win with nine balls to spare.

Farsley also sprang a surprise, beating New Farnley by 36 runs to boost their survival hopes.