Lee Goddard and Alex Cree smash centuries as New Farnley and Methley cruise to victories

Think of a prominent batsman in the Bradford Premier League, and Gary Fellows or Mark Robertshaw spring to mind.
By The Newsroom
Published 27th Apr 2021, 05:55 BST
Methley's teenage opener Alex Cree scores another run during his innings of 128 which included five sixes and 16 fours against Wrenthorpe. Picture: Steve Riding.Methley's teenage opener Alex Cree scores another run during his innings of 128 which included five sixes and 16 fours against Wrenthorpe. Picture: Steve Riding.
Methley's teenage opener Alex Cree scores another run during his innings of 128 which included five sixes and 16 fours against Wrenthorpe. Picture: Steve Riding.

However, Lee Goddard is putting in a strong case to be ranked alongside such luminaries with the start he has made to the campaign.

The former Derbyshire and Durham wicketkeeper followed his 123 against Cleckheaton on opening day with 141 against Bradford & Bingley.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

That knock, coupled with 84 from teenager Aidan Langley, who added 217 for the first wicket with him, propelled New Farnley to 349-4 at Wagon Lane, the home side replying with 162.

Oliver Kilburn runs in to bowl for Wrenthorpe against Methley in the Bradford League. Picture: Steve Riding.Oliver Kilburn runs in to bowl for Wrenthorpe against Methley in the Bradford League. Picture: Steve Riding.
Oliver Kilburn runs in to bowl for Wrenthorpe against Methley in the Bradford League. Picture: Steve Riding.

Level on a maximum 40 points with New Farnley are Hanging Heaton, whose star was opening bowler James Byrne (6-70) as Pudsey St Lawrence were beaten by nine runs.

Fellows (23) and Nick Connolly (43) ‘only’ added 64 for the first wicket in Hanging Heaton’s 229-9, Shahban Raheem hitting 55 not out off 61 balls as off-spinners Archie Scott (3-56) and Chris Marsden (3-62) found some reward.

Saints were in a sorry state at 81-7 but got close in the end thanks to James Smith (83, including eight fours and five sixes), batting low at No 8, and Charlie Parker (39).

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Methley teenager Alex Cree hit an impressive 128 in his side’s crushing 249-run victory over Wrenthorpe.

Andrew Doidge, right, of Rawdon took five wickets in his side's victory against Otley. Picture: Steve Riding.Andrew Doidge, right, of Rawdon took five wickets in his side's victory against Otley. Picture: Steve Riding.
Andrew Doidge, right, of Rawdon took five wickets in his side's victory against Otley. Picture: Steve Riding.

Having set the hosts 325 to win, Wrenthorpe collapsed to 75 all out with Thomas Chippendale picking up four wickets and James Logan three.

Elsewhere in the Premier League, Farsley and Townville enjoyed eight-wicket victories over Morley and Cleckheaton respectively while Woodlands beat Batley by 92 runs.

Otley, winners of the Aire-Wharfe League in 2019, made it two defeats from two matches when their batting failed at home to Rawdon, for whom Andrew Doidge took 5-27 in dismissing them for 118.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Elsewhere in Division One, Ilkley lost by just two runs at home to Bilton, Saltaire beat Collingham and Linton, Burley-in-Wharfedale crushed Horsforth, North Leeds beat Beckwithshaw and Addingham defeated Olicanian.

Josh Stephenson of Otley hits a four against Rawdon. Picture: Steve Riding.Josh Stephenson of Otley hits a four against Rawdon. Picture: Steve Riding.
Josh Stephenson of Otley hits a four against Rawdon. Picture: Steve Riding.

Support the YEP and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news and the latest on Leeds United, With a digital subscription, you see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click HERE to subscribe.

Related topics:Alex CreeGary Fellows

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.