Schofield hits back in thrilling run chase

Hoylandswaine captured the title on September 2, but the battle to finish in second spot goes to the wire, with Elland and Kirkburton on 99 points each. Elland, though, have three more outright wins to their credit.

Oliver Davidson, who made 85 and took four wickets, contributed much to Kirkburton’s 36-run victory against visitors Scholes and Ryan Robinson returned to bowling duty to claim 5-44.

Elland, meanwhile, won by 42 runs at Hall Bower, with Lorenzo Ingram and Paul Winrow excelling with the bat. Winrow hit 87 and Winrow was left undefeated on 66. Ibrar Younas then took 5-51 as Hall Bower’s batsmen were dismissed for 151.

In their final match of the season, Elland are at home to Clayton West, who have managed only one outright win all season, while Kirkburton go to fourth-placed Golcar, for whom Andrew Chalkley blasted 135 in their three-wicket defeat at Skelmanthorpe. Alex Schofield struck 120 for the home side, who won with two deliveries left.

Chris Kilner, Marsden’s right-arm fast bowler, took seven wickets in his 18.1 overs for Marsden, who won by eight wickets at Honley, the fallen champions who have had a very poor season by their standards.

The thrilling promotion race will run to the final round of matches, with four clubs vying for the right to replace relegated pair Slaithwaite and Clayton West in the Premiership.

With Holmfirth, Thongsbridge and Lepton Highlanders all suffering defeats, Barkisland leapfrogged them into the leadership of the Frank Platt Championship on 66 points.

Holmfirth lie second on 65, Thongsbridge have 62 and the Highlanders 61.

Holmfirth have home advantage against the Highlanders, while Barkisland travel to Meltham and Thongsbridge are at home to second from bottom Armitage Bridge, who have been relegated to the Conference along with Emley Clarence.

Altofts keep their hopes alive thanks to Steel

SIMON Steel hammered a magnificent 165 off 141 balls as Altofts boosted their chances of avoiding relegation from the Premier Division with their first win in eight league matches.

Steel steered Altofts to 282-8 against fellow strugglers Wakefield Thornes, whose reply fell short on 243-8, despite half-centuries by Jordan Anderson, Nadeera Nawela and Tom Froggett.

Carlton ended their relegation worries by claiming a two-wicket victory at Mirfield Parish Cavaliers with two balls remaining.

Chris Leaf (65no) and Tom Taylor (15no) shared a match-winning unbroken ninth-wicket stand of 60 as Carlton overhauled Mirfield’s 243-7 that featured an unbeaten 113 by Tharaka Gunarathne.

Birstall’s slump continued when New Farnley’s Benny Howell (4-16) and Nick Cullen (3-27) skittled them for 79.

Howell hit an unbeaten 54 off 42 balls as Farnley coasted to an eight-wicket win.

Wrenthorpe are poised to lift the league title for the third successive season after beating Townville by three runs.

Eric Austin (67no) and Greig Batty (34) put on 90 as Wrenthorpe recovered from 92-5 to post 217-6.

In reply, Townville needed 25 runs for victory off the last over but managed only 21 and closed on 214-7.

With two league games remaining, Wrenthorpe are nine points clear of closest rivals Methley, who won by four wickets at Hunslet Nelson thanks to Marcus Walmsley’s unbeaten 70.

Moorlands, who are joining the Huddersfield League next season, are set to finish in the top two in Division One which means only one team will be promoted and one side relegated from the top-flight.

Moorlands retained a two-point lead over Ossett when Stephen Lane (50no) and Andy Walker (4-42) led them to a 71-run win against Buttershaw St Paul’s.

Shoaib Latif struck an unbeaten 69 and bagged 3-16 in Ossett’s nine-wicket win at Liversedge.

Inglis ensures title fight will go to wire

John Inglis smashed 15 fours and six sixes in making 121 and put on 173 with Bryan Vance (79no) as Beckwithshaw passed Adel’s 220-9 for the loss of one wicket to keep alive their hopes of claiming the title in the final week.

Nothing less than victory against Follifoot will be enough and even then Collingham need only two points against Steeton to be crowned champions after they took five points against Ben Rhydding, mainly thanks to Matt Fielding (75), Charlie Fairbanks (50) and John Swain (48).

Ryan Cooper hit 108 off 99 balls as Burley beat Otley by 59 runs while 103 from David Wildsmith and a 6-40 spell from Andrew Luxton were the highlights of Steeton’s win over Guiseley, for whom Josh Nelson hit 88.

Michael Halmshaw (60no) and Matt Winter (6-62) starred as Follifoot picked up a point at Bilton to make sure they are safe from relegation.

Kirkstall are also safe after Paul Malone’s century inspired them to take five points off Thackley who are still in the danger zone just a year after being crowned champions.

James Seymour scored 118 not out off 53 balls as Harden raced past Olicanian’s 170 to secure the Second Division title.

Pool remain in pole position for the second promotion spot after Callum Braddock (5-32) helped dismiss Upper Wharfedale for 137 and Richard Henry (63) steered them to a victory that sends Wharfedale down.

Green Lane kept in the hunt after Michael Slater’s 5-41 return helped dismiss Bardsey for 140, Ian Hawkridge (46no) and Rob Britton (48) leading the successful run chase.

Jeremy Batty and Henry Wilson picked up five wickets each to bowl out Calverley for 193 in reply to Ilkley’s 226-8 in which Batty scored 73.

Jonathan Corcoran hit 69 off just 38 balls in Knaresborough’s 233-8 with Taran Charna taking 6-82 and North Leeds were dismissed for 186 despite Jack Burke making 78.

Colton and Tong Park Esholt clinched promotion from Division Three with wins over Silsden and Menston.