Kirkburton openers hit back in fine style

Irfan Zahoor and Bruce Cruse had an opening partnership of 108 for Delph, who totalled 237-9, but Andrew Smith and Matthew Wood opened the Kirkburton reply with a stand of 118.

Greg Buckley also played his part with a swashbuckling half-century, including seven sixes. Despite delays for rain and bad light, Kirkburton had 22 overs to spare when they reached their target.

Third-placed Honley were expected to cruise to victory over bottom of the table Barkisland after posting 341-5, opening batsman Richard Jakeman leading the way with 135, but the relegation-threatened side topped the 300 mark for the loss of seven wickets and lost by a respectable 39 runs.

Ben Westbrook, Simon Wheelwright and Kimeshin Chetty made half-centuries for Barkisland, while Michael Fraine supported Jakeman with 71 for Honley, John Greaves and Martin Green making undefeated scores in the forties.

Shepley and Skelmanthorpe had contrasting fortunes 24 hours before their Sykes Cup final. Shepley defeated opponents Scholes for the 10th consecutive time, Sarjinder Pal Singh including seven fours and a six in his 89 and captain Danny Glover taking 5-35 with his brisk deliveries. Scholes recovered from 81-8 to 173 all out, Mohammed Shahnawaz and Jarrod Lee adding 71 for the ninth wicket.

Skelmanthorpe crashed to a six-wicket defeat at Shelley where they were dismissed for 132, New Zealander Danny Hill claiming five wickets.

Sri Lankan all-rounder Bandula Don saw Hoylandswaine to a nine-wicket win against Broad Oak with an 8-22 return. Oak were chopped down for 104 in 39 overs, Hoylandswaine taking just 14 overs to romp home. Liam Dickinson made 44 not out and Alex Morris 40 not out.

Elland won at Marsden, who were sent back for a modest 115 in 37.2 overs.