Bennett display hits early league leaders

Bennett hit 91 in Kirkstall’s 226 in which Stuart Hudson picked up 6-81, then he struck again, returning 5-48 as the home side were left on 203-8 and had to make do with two points.

That leaves them 12 points adrift of front runners Thackley following the leaders’ six-wicket pounding of defending champions Burley who were bowled out for 121 thanks to the accuracy of Mahir Ali (4-56), Nasser Jamal (3-19) and Amer Raza (3-16).

Yasser Ali hit a half century in Green Lane’s 185-8 then teamed up with Istikhar Huassain (4-52) to take 3-22 as Guiseley were dismissed for 176 with one ball to spare.

Rawdon’s misery continued when Adel bowled them out for 66, Brad Robertson taking 5-21 to set up a six-wicket win, while Chris Dawson (4-19) led the way as Bilton overcame Follifoot to avenge last week’s Waddilove Cup defeat.

Ross Suri (5-32) set up an 85-run win for Steeton when he ripped through the North Leeds batting with only Barry Singleton (42no) showing much resistance. That puts them top of Division Two after early pacesetters Ben Rhydding could only hang on for a point at Upper Wharfedale for whom Dave Eggleton returned 5-15.

Gareth Wilkinson hit a century and Mick Scott took five wickets as Tong Park Esholt had the better of the draw at Olicanian, for whom Chris Spivey took 5-58.

Menston’s John Storey took 5-61 and hit a half century but finished on the losing side as Bolton Villas eased home by 95 runs thanks to Sam Wade (59), Umer Yaqoob (5-39) and Sam Lawrence (5-43).

Simon Wood (81no) helped Harden to 245-6 then Jordan Mackenzie followed up his 41 with a spell of 4-71 to restrict Pool to 190-8 and keep Harden among the front runners.

Stuart Curry (89), Callum How (88no) and Richard Geary (73) steered Knaresborough to 299-2 but determined innings from Julian Thornhill (72) and Gareth Lee (52) ensured Calverley picked up a point.