Roebuck underlines his county potential

CHARLIE Roebuck, Kirkburton's capture from Broad Oak, piled on the early-season agony for defending champions Scholes.

Roebuck plundered an undefeated 146 to set up victory by 61 runs, the Yorkshire second teamer helping himself to 15 fours and eight sixes off 90 deliveries.

Andrew Smith contributed 57 to the cause and when Scholes batted, Tom Burkinshaw grabbed five wickets. Scholes captain James Noble hit a valiant 63 and Andy Alsop was unbeaten with 54.

Golcar's James Sykes took 132 off Broad Oak's bowlers in a 106- run victory. Sykes struck 11 fours and four sixes and Leigh Kentish played his part with 80. Rob Campbell resisted strongly for the Oak with six fours and six sixes in his 102.

Honley, who had a disappointing season by their standards last year, finishing sixth, have quickly found their form this time and, after defeating runners-up Skelmanthorpe in a high-scoring affair on the opening day, they trounced Delph & Dobcross by 122 runs.

Simon Kelly led the way with 111 off 117 balls, including 19 fours and two sixes.

Skelmanthorpe topped 300 again but this time they were winners by 79 runs at Barkisland. Wasim Jaffer followed his opening day 88 with 126. Ian Simon's six wickets and John Ashton's unbeaten half-century saw Hoylandswaine to a four-wicket win at Marsden and Tim Rees had 14 fours and three sixes in an innings of 84 for Shepley who defeated Elland by three wickets.

Danny Lockwood made an unbeaten 86 for Holmfirth but they lost by eight wickets at Slaithwaite.

Shelley made it two wins out of two in the Frank Platt Championship, Akhlaq Ahmed carrying his bat for 130 and taking four wickets in an 87-run victory against Micklehurst.

Gary Hodgson struck an unbeaten 111 for Lepton, who have also started with two wins. They overcame Hall Bower by 161 runs after posting 345-5.

Opening bowler Chris Thomson took seven wickets for Clayton West but they lost by four runs at Kexborough.

Emley won by two wickets off the last ball at Paddock, whose Steve Abbott hit 90 off 96 balls.