Doidge signs off in style for champions

JCT 600 Bradford

Pudsey Congs clinched a sixth league championship in 11 seasons and provided a perfect farewell to two of their loyal servants.

Matthew Doidge, who captained them to a record-equalling five successive titles between 2000 and 2004, and bowler Mark Bray were both playing their final Bradford League games and went on the best possible note as Congs won by 66 runs at Bankfoot.

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But it was another of Congs' old guard who set up the 66-run win. Babar Butt arrived at the wicket with his side 99-6, but transformed the situation with a rapid 44 to take them to 164-8.

Bankfoot were dismissed for 98 with Bray taking 4-17. In a fitting finale, Doidge took the catch which clinched the final wicket.

Congs finished five points ahead of Bradford & Bingley, who defeated Cleckheaton by 74 runs. Simon Davies (129no )hit his second successive century and shared an opening stand of 137 with Scott Etherington (57).

Once maximum batting points had been achieved, captain Phil Slater declared at 227-3, giving his side two extra overs butCleckheaton held firm at 153-7.

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East Bierley clinched third place as they defeated Undercliffe by 34 runs. East Bierley were bowled out for 177 with Andrew Rennison hitting 67 and Liam Walsh (46).

Chris Greenwood (4-32) and Nawaz Sardar (3-52) were the pick of the bowlers for Undercliffe, who were dismissed for 143 in reply. Ben Heritage (52) and Sardar (49) battled hard but Muhammad Azharullah (4-20) had the last word.

Pudsey St Lawrence suffered their second successive defeat to as they went down by four wickets to Farsley. Barry Frankland (43), Joe Greaves (43no), Lorenzo Ingram (34) and Bradley Kruger (30) ensured Farsley got to their target.

Mark Robertshaw hit a splendid unbeaten 119 for St Lawrence which enabled him to pass 1,000 runs in a season for the first time.

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Woodlands scored a 75-run win at Saltaire. Spinner Chris Brice, Division One''s leading wicket taker, took 4-42 as Saltaire were bowled out for 139 in reply to 214-7. Same Frankland (45), Nicky Rushworth 42, Pieter Swanepoel (42) and Tim Orrell (40) were the chief contributors.

Relegated Yeadon defeated Baildon by eight wickets.