Hussain heroics put leaders on back foot

After a 16-over spell of 4-50, as Thackley were restricted to 169, he linked up with Rob Britton (50no) and hit 42 not out to clinch a seven-wicket win.

With the top three losing, Lane leapt into second place ahead of Otley who were defeated by Burley. Defending only 166, Otley gave themselves a chance with Andy Rhodes (4-62) and Ricky Halloran (3-25) pegging the home side back. Richard Brook (54) and Ryan Cooper (43) put Burley within touching distance but they still needed three to win when the ninth wicket fell.

But confident last man Shane Etherington strode to the wicket and smashed a four off the first ball he received.

Paul Cannings hit a half-century for third-placed Bilton but five wickets from James Lilley kept them down to 179 and John Inglis (74) led Beckwithshaw’s successful run race.

Mike Halmshaw hit his maiden league century, smacking 10 fours and nine sixes in an unbeaten 146 to help Follifoot to 208-5 before Jack Benbow (4-21) and David Wright (3-23) skittled Collingham out for 97.

Dean Russ scored 127 off 109 balls in Guiseley’s 278-7 but a dogged 38no from Jeremy Batty meant Rawdon hung on to pick up their first point of the season.

Likened to Glenn McGrath by his team-mates, Matthew Webb lived up to the billing with an 8-52 spell that saw Adel dismissed for 190 before Steve Harrison (55) and Joe Gibson (57) clinched Kirkstall’s first win of the season.

Division Two leaders Steeton struggled as Will Driver (65) and Ed Brown (62no) saw Olicanian to 232-6.

Brown then took 4-52 but a battling 51 not out from Neil Spragg helped Steeton salvage two points.

Second-placed Harden could not take advantage, bowled out by Upper Wharfedale for 160 with Dan Parkinson taking 5-34 including a hat-trick. James Freebury (57) and Andrew Foulds (45) saw Wharfedale home.

Scoreboard: Pages 12-13.