Walmsley hat-trick as leaders rise to challenge

All-rounder Jack Hughes (84 and 3-28) was outstanding in defending champions Townville’s 113-run victory that kept them just one point behind Premiership leaders Methley, who coasted to a six-wicket win at Altofts.

Marcus Walmsley (5-21) grabbed a hat-trick, all bowled, as Altofts were routed for 117.

Greig Batty (7-14) produced the day’s outstanding bowling performance as Wrenthorpe won a low-scoring game at Ossett.

Chasing Wrenthorpe’s 121-9, Ossett were sent collapsing from 55-2 to 84 all out by Batty and Joe Ellis (2-17).

Ossett opener Shoaib Latif’s 43 was in vain as he took his tally to 877 league runs this season.

Hunslet Nelson and Hopton Mills, the bottom two teams, both won.

Hunslet came out on top in a 39-over contest against Carlton, who were restricted to 88-9 by Glen Thompson (4-19), Derrick Hammill (3-16) and Will Stiff 
(3-32).

Stephen Cooper (40) was the only Carlton batsman who reached double figures.

Hopton ended a 10-match losing run by beating Mirfield Parish Cavaliers by four wickets.

Ashley Mackereth hit five sixes in an unbeaten 89 off 85 balls as Hopton overhauled Cavaliers’ 153 that featured a seventh-wicket stand of 72 between Nazar Hussain (56) and Mohammed Wadee (29).

Birstall reached 180-4 at Scholes before the match was abandoned because of torrential rain.

Buttershaw St Paul’s stepped up their promotion bid by climbing to second. All-rounder Bradley Neyland claimed 4-58 and hit 37 as Buttershaw defeated leaders Batley by 51 runs.