It’s six of the best as Honley take the title

Kirkburton, who started in second place, suffered a 141 runs defeat at home to Scholes, so Delph & Dobcross finished runners-up, their seven-wicket victory sending Broad Oak down with Barkisland.

Hall Bower leapfrogged Meltham to win promotion to the Premier Division, along with already promoted Clayton West, while Almondbury joined Paddock in dropping into the Cedar Court Conference, to be replaced by Armitage Bridge and Thongsbridge.

Honley won their final 10 matches, finishing the season in style with a nine-wicket victory at Slaithwaite, who totalled 160-8, middle order batsman Bjorn Taylor making an undefeated 57 off 68 balls and Ritchie Howarth taking four wickets. Richard Jakeman and Simon Kelly ensured there would be no hiccups from Honley with an opening partnership of 106, Jakeman carrying his bat for 63 and Kelly contributing 51. Max Joice also played his part with an undefeated 32.

Kirkburton were bowled out for 82 in reply to Scholes’ 223-9. Matt Garrety took 6-30 for Kirkburton but Jarrod Lee (6-47) and Mohammed Shahnawaz (4-32) destroyed Kirkburton.

All-rounder Bilal Khiljee shone for Delph & Dobcross, taking 5-22 as Broad Oak were felled for 127 in 44.2 overs. Then he struck an unbeaten 54 in the successful reply.

Marsden, who started the day in a relegation place, rescued themselves with victory by 11 runs at Shepley. Alistair Farrell top-scored with 71 in Marsden’s 175-9. Shepley recovered from 65-6 to 164-7, Danny Glover making a defiant 65, but Chris Kilner claimed 6-32 in 19 overs, including 10 maidens. Shepley’s one point gave them the late- season Hopkinson trophy.

Hoylandswaine’s John Sadler finished the season with scores of 100, 137 not out, 75, 90 and 98. He enjoyed a partnership of 153 for the second wicket with Alex Morris, who made 104 despite a 5-28 return from Abid Hussain. Hoylandswaine won by 51 runs against Shelley.