Scholefield chalks up nine-wicket haul

Scholefield was the scourge of Barkisland’s batsmen when he took 9-55 on August 3 and this time he had 9-73 off 14.5 overs in skittling out Golcar to 131 in 30 overs. Skelmanthorpe took 28 overs to pass Golcar’s total, with Yaasar Imtiaz making a half-century.

The match was one of just three in the top flight to survive the rain. Leaders Shepley moved closer to the title with a seven-wicket triumph at Marsden. Craig Glover took seven wickets for the first time since the opening day of the season. His 7-60 return from 20 overs of medium-fast deliveries restricted Marsden to 128, Shepley cruising to victory in 23 overs. Greg Wood struck an unbeaten 52 for the winners.

Kirkburton also took a full six points at Scholes, winning by 62 runs. Captain Greg Buckley and Iqbal Khan hit half-centuries for Kirkburton who posted 218-6 in a match reduced to 35 overs-a-side. Then Gurman Randhawa (5-43) and Andy Smith (3-23) hustled Scholes out for 156 despite a defiant half-century from Joe Carter.

Slaithwaite moved closer to the Frank Platt Championship with a 10-wicket trouncing of back-markers Lepton Highlanders. The visitors were bowled out for 43, spinner Dave Berry taking 6-20 and Kiwi medium pacer Sean Davey (3-17). Slaithwaite knocked off the runs in just 4.2 overs.

Dave Swan plundered the highest score of the day with 157 for Clayton West who defeated Thongsbridge by 39 runs. The match was reduced to 25 overs but West hurried to 262-4 with Swan setting the lead by collecting 17 fours and 11 sixes. Tom Kemp (94) replied but Thongsbridge fell short with five wickets remaining.

Sajid Nazir’s off-breaks earned him an impressive 6-26 from 14 overs for Linthwaite, who won by 93 runs against Meltham.

Best bowling feat in the Cedar Court Conference was Hayden Charlton’s 7-24 off 9.3 overs for Kirkheaton, who sent back hosts Denby for 46 and won by 10 
wickets.