Townville left facing a crucial double-header

champions Townville were foiled by rain in the solitary Premiership match that started.

Chasing Carlton’s 147-5 in a 25-over contest, Townville were 41-1 from 5.3 overs when the match was abandoned.

Opener Phil Page led Carlton’s recovery after they were struggling at 30-2 from 9.1 overs.

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He struck four sixes and five fours in an excellent 66 off 78 balls and put on 58 for the fourth-wicket with Chris Leaf, who smashed 32 off 18 deliveries.

Page also shared a 50-run stand with Michael Savery, who chipped in with 19.

Ritchie Bresnan – younger brother of England and Yorkshire star Tim – was Townville’s best bowler with 2-23 from eight overs.

In reply, Townville openers Jonathan Booth (26no) and Matt Bremner (15) shared a 41-run stand before Australian Bremner was caught by Page off Leaf’s bowling. Torrential rain prevented any further play.

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With eight league matches remaining, second-placed Townville are eight points adrift of leaders Methley, whom they visit on Saturday.

Methley won by 40 runs at Poplar Avenue in May but Townville gained revenge by beating their derby rivals by 80 runs at Little Church Lane in the Heavy Woollen Cup semi-finals earlier this month.

Saturday’s game is the first of two important matches for Townville, who visit South Yorkshire League Elsecar in the Black Sheep Yorkshire Champions Trophy semi-final the next day. Townville, who lost to Woodlands in the 2006 final, aim to become the first CYL club to win the competition.

There was no play in the Championship and Division One. Championship leaders Batley remain four points clear of Liversedge.