Whitley post an early warning of title intent

Senior South Riding

The season opened with a new title, the 'Senior' added to prevent confusion with the soon-to-be-formed South Yorkshire Alliance, whose format will include five divisions with 12 clubs in each.

Premier Division champions Treeton opened in style with a five-wicket victory over multiple champions Elsecar, who were dismissed for 195 with former Doncaster Town all-rounder Luke Townsend cracking 85.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Treeton reached 199-5, Andy Tomlinson blasting 72 and Chris Holt making an unbeaten 67.

Whitley Hall claim they have the strongest side in the club's history and believe they can put a first notch on the championship trophy.

They made a fine start by dismissing Hallam for 71, Alex Welsh bagging 5-7, and winning by nine wickets, Neil Longhurst, signed from Sheffield United, hitting 40 not out.

Mark Beardshall's young Barnsley side totalled 205-7, Jamie Green making 75 and Beardshall 47 not out, but guests Tickhill took the points by reacing 207-7 in the last over, Tom Barnett leading the way with 46.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Wath contained Phoenix to 198-9, Johnny Younis making 63 and Haidar Jahangir 54, with James Barnard claiming five wickets for the guests, who lost just four wickets in reaching 199, youngster Patrick Desborough hitting an unbeaten 61 and veteran Steve Reynolds chipping in with 49.

Aston Hall made the trip to Houghton Main pay off by sending back the hosts for 165 as Will Sweeney took 5-42. Hall reached 167-4, Scott Jones hitting a stylish 70.

Wickersley took the lion's share when hosting to top-flight newcomers Whiston, Gareth Davis top-scoring with 72 in their 246 as Pete Wilson bagged 6-50. Whiston closed on 201-8, Asad Butt striking 61 and Nicky Struggles 59 not out, Greg Norton claiming 5-62 for Wickersley.

There were four century-makers, Neil Priestley thumping 102 for Collegiate against Bradfield in Division One, where Shiregreen's Hadar Rasool made 108 not out against Treeton B. Dan Boden powered 118 for Whitley seconds against Maltby in Division Two, and Oughtibridge opener Ian Mellor hit 111 against Worsbrough in Division Four.

Related topics: