Welsh and Tasker put Whitley on top

Treeton opener Scott Cunningham gave his side a good start with a half-century, but the guests slumped to 166 all out against the skills of Sohail Awan, who took 6-30.

Treeton’s loss left last season’s champions Whitley Hall clear at the top after their fighting victory at Wickersley.

The Northfield Lane club made 244-6 with knocks of 88 from Christi Viljoen and 65 from Gareth Davis but Whitley were up for the task, replying with 247-6, opener Alex Welsh cracking 60 and Jim Tasker 45.

Elsecar moved into second spot with a home win over Aston Hall, who laid down a 247 challenge after an unbeaten 98 from Amir Riaz. The wickets were shared by Chathura Athukorala and Rob Jones.

Elsecar replied with 248-5, having got off to a great start with 86 from Ainsley Swallow, followed by 67 from Brett Hunsley.

Barnsley batted first at Wath and reached 211-8 thanks to youngster Jordan Luke Bethel, who made 53. They then dismissed the Moor Road club for 163, former Elsecar star Lesroy Weekes cracking 54. Barnsley seam bowlers Mark Beardshall and Andy Ivill claimed three wickets each.

Hallam made 227-8 to outpoint Houghton Main, who made 218-9, and Bradfield were three-wicket winners after sending back Rockingham for 130.

Shiregreen took the eye in Division One, being the day’s top scorers with 315-5 against Wickersley B, who fell for 94. Shiregreen heroes were Aslam Hayat, with 117, and Mohammad Ilyas, whose 8-31 was the best bowling performance of the day.

Other century-makers included Whitley Hall B’s Matt Milburn, with 105 in the Division Two win over Doncaster, and Houghton Main’s Jitendra Surti, who made 100 in the Division Four win over guests Kexborough B.