Longhurst hits back to deny Wath victory

The day before they met Methley at Armroyd Lane in the Council final, they whipped out Barnsley for 89, and after losing their first three wickets cheaply, were rallied by Luke Townsend’s unbeaten 37 and Chathura Athukorala’s 34 not out which took them to a seven-wicket triumph.

Long-time leaders Whitley Hall were set a 223-8 challenge by Wath, opener Andy Hirst cracking 100, with 16 boundaries. Whitley fired back with a winning 227-6, thanks to a fine 117 from former Sheffield United all-rounder Neil Longhurst.

Treeton got back to winning ways after dismissing Hallam for 137 – Steve Foster grabbing 7-36 – and easing their way to a six-wicket win.

Wickersley looked in dire trouble when five down for just 12 runs, but closed on 163, Carl Tiler making 64 before hosts Aston Hall were dismissed for 87, Christie Viljoen snapping up 5-34.

Whiston ended on 237-5, Andy Tomlinson hitting 69 and receiving support from half-century makers Sohail Awan and teenager Alex Galloway. Rockingham were sent back for 213, Mike Brown cracking 73, against the bowling of Tahir Nawaz (5-43).

Bradfield were helped to 246-6 by Matt McGillvray’s 52 and they pegged Houghton Main to 213-9.

Further down the League, there were centuries from Elsecar B’s Adrian Meadows, with 113 against Darfield; Wath B’s Nick Purcell, with an unbeaten 105 in the defeat to Rotherham Town B; Worsbrough opener Dave Smith, with 114 not out in the win over Thorncliffe B, and Worsbrough B’s Rob Stubbins, with an unbeaten 157 as his team reached day’s highest score, 297-3, at Warmsworth.

The lowest score of the season saw Frecheville B skittled for 12 against Maltby in Division Four, youngster John Pinkos taking 6-6 and Pete Brewster 3-5.