Bradford League: Jake a ray of sunshine as Yeadon stun neighbours

Wray claimed eight catches as Yeadon piled on the woe for Farsley, despite the best efforts of Ryan Cooper, who hit a fine 104.

Earlier, James Todd also produced a masterful knock with an unbeaten 118.

The main upset saw Championship outfit Methley continue their excellent start to the season with a three-wicket victory over top-flight East Bierley, whose horror season continued. Hero for Methley was overseas man Samuel Mofokeng (5-29), while captain Grant Soames hit a key 49.

Meanwhile, a last-ball thriller saw Woodlands beat New Farnley, who recently beat them in the Heavy Woollen Cup, by two wickets. Important contributions arrived from Logan Weston (53) and wicketkeeper Greg Finn (51), while Richard Atkins (67) and James Middlebrook (51) were in the runs for Farnley.

Hanging Heaton skipper Gary Fellows hit his second weekend century as his side claimed an excellent seven-wicket win at Pudsey Congs, for whom Andrew Bairstow hit 88. Morley bowed out in a five-run loss to Scholes – securing their maiden victory of the season in the process – despite brave late resistance led by Nathan Bromby (42).

Scholes’ best were Irfan Amjad (6-36) and James Harding (6-36), Henry Rush bagging 4-22 for Morley. Top-order men Adam Waite (94no) and Mark Robertshaw (60) amassed 134 for the opening wicket as Pudsey St Lawrence won at a canter against Bowling Old Lane by eight wickets.

Another record saw Bradford and Bingley’s Noman Ali become the first player to hit six sixes in one over in the competition as Liversedge were beaten by 86 runs by the holders – despite a brave 105 not out from Paul Marlow.

Captain John Wood hit a quick-fire 81 and Chris Holliday (78no) weighed in as Cleckheaton eased past Altofts by seven wickets – Dominic Richardson hitting 66 for the hosts. Kieran Ward hit a super 104 and Jack Hughes fired a brisk unbeaten 88 as Townville demolished Bankfoot by 213 runs, Nadim Hussain taking 6-31. Farrukh Khan smashed 141 as Altofts accounted for Spen Victoria and Muhammad Shahnawaz (6-22) helped Batley sink Saltaire.

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CHAMPIONSHIP A leaders Batley maintained their 100 per cent record thanks to a two-wicket win at Baildon with five balls to spare.

The most telling contributions arrived from Muhammad Tahir (4-39), Aqsad Ali (4-33), and captain Simon Bailey (47).

Jake Wray (53) and the experienced Damon Gormley (48no) helped Yeadon triumph over Liversedge in a game which saw James Goldthorp complete 10,000 Bradford League runs.

Birstall are still winless after losing out by one-wicket to Hunslet Nelson, for whom Chris Anderson (65) starred.

Khalid Usman (5-56) couldn’t stop Ossett losing out by eight runs to Undercliffe.

Johnathan Booth (69no) and overseas player Matthew Bremner (45no) shared an unbroken second-wicket stand of 142 to help Townville move 12 points clear at the top of Championship B after a big win over Altofts. Nadim Huissain (4-15) and Jack Hughes (3-21) were in the wickets.

In-form Hamid Khan (92) excelled, as Methley, in second, overcame Spen Victoria by 95 runs.

Wakefield Thornes maintained their hot streak in the ECB Yorkshire Premier League South, beating Treeton by 90 runs, Matt Varley taking 4-26. In Premier League North, York lost their top two clash with Hull, while James Logan took 6-44 for Yorkshire Academy as they beat Acomb.