Whitley Hall keep on course for the double

Chasing 178, the Ecclesfield club eased to 181-3, Neil Longhurst cracking 56 and captain Alex Fletcher 44 not out.

Whitley, firmly on their way to their first Premier Division title, take on former champions Elsecar at the weekend, and on Auguest 8, the Whitworth Cup holders meet Treeton in the Final at Tickhill.

Long-time leaders Treeton were also impressive winners at Aston Hall, Steve Foster, plundering 106 and captain Chris Cobb making 56 of their 265-8, before Aston fell for 117.

Wickersley held hosts Barnsley to 128-6, Jon Davies and Gareth Davis each claiming three wickets, and knocked off the required runs for three wickets, Haidar Jahangir making 59 not out.

Elsecar continued their move up the table with a six-wicket victory over guests Rotherham Phoenix, Chathura Athukorala claiming 4-48 as the visitors fell for 155. The Armroyd Laners hit back with 156-4, openers Adrian Meadows and Tim Farmer hitting 38 and 39, respectively, and Brett Hunsley following with 41 not out.

Opening batsmen on each side starred when Whiston entertained Tickhill. Jason Larder hammered 155, with 14 fours and nine9 sixes as Whiston set a 295-6 target, partner Asadullah Butt reaching 54. Then Tickhill opener Ashley Fiddler struck an unbeaten 100 in their 234-6, Kashif Raja hitting a more sedate 55.

Hallam's 180-9 was ample against Houghton Main, sent packing for 117. Hallam's match-winners were Humphrey Emery (52) and Jim Tasker (5-22).

Other opening batsmen in good form were Darfield's James Ward, with 76 in the Division One win over Treeton B, and in the Division Two game between Frecheville and Warmsworth, junior Todd Saxelby struck an unbeaten 80 for Frecheville, but was on the losing side as Warmsworth replied to 228-5 with 232-6, teenage opener Andrew Haywood blasting 16 fours in his unbeaten 118.

Houghton B's Phil Taylor made 92 and took 6-65 in the Division Four match against Dearne B, but was on the losing side, Dearne's 207-8 being one run too many for the home club.