ALLIANCE – Flockton Fly Again
FLOCKTON have completed a remarkable three-season rise by lifting the historic Johnson Cup and securing promotion to the Conference. Captain Mohammad Imran has led his side to an outstanding campaign, losing just twice in the Alliance division while recording 18 victories and 114 points.
Flockton, who were promoted from Alliance 3 as champions in 2024, followed that with promotion from Alliance 2 as runners-up last year, and have now gone one better by taking the Alliance title at the first attempt.
Leading batsman Junaid Anwar made over 800 runs at an average of over 55, including a top score of 202 in a game back in June where the team scored more than 400.
Muhammad Zubair, Farrukh Sultan and Aditya Chaskar all contributed with around 500 runs each. Farrukh also has 41 victims to make him Flockton’s leading wicket taker closely followed by Imran Mana with 31
Three seasons. Three promotions. But can Flockton keep the incredible run going? Next season they will have to take on the mighty Hoylandswaine if they are to make it four straight promotions.
Alongside Flockton Kirkburton’s 2nd XI ended their season on 106 points and secured promotion with a 5 wicket win at home to Clayton West 1st XI. Kirkburton will replace relegated Skelmanthorpe, keeping the number of 2nd XI’s playing 50 over cricket in the Conference division at four.
Almondbury 1st XI join Linthwaite 2nd XI who are being relegated back down to Alliance 2 after just one season with only one win and 19 points.
Alliance 2 – Shepley Take the Title
Shepley 2nd XI win the Lexus Print Trophy and are joined by Mirfield Parish Cavaliers as they move up to the Alliance.
Edgerton & Dalton and Broad Oak 2nd XI drop to Alliance 3 in a closely fought end to the season with only 3 points separating the bottom 3.
Alliance 3 – Marsden Win
Marsden 2nd XI went one position better than their first team by taking top spot with 109 points in a closely fought battle with Birkby Rose Hill and Lascelles Hall where there was only 7 points between the 3 teams. Birkby Rose Hill ultimately gained promotion back to Alliance 2 following last year’s relegation.
This makes a double celebration for Marsden with both 1st XI and 2nd XI securing promotion.
Club Chair Norman Clee commented “It’s a fantastic achievement for the club. To have both the first and second teams promoted in the same season is something special. It’s important to recognise just how big an achievement that is. The first team reaching the Premier League is a huge milestone for Marsden, but to have the second team promoted as well shows the strength we have across the club. It's a great reward for the hard work of the players and coaches, and for the support we've had from everyone around the club.”
At the other end, Denby Dale 2nd XI return to Alliance 4. They finished level on 44 points with local rivals Denby Grange 2nd XI, but one fewer victory saw Denby Dale suffer relegation.
Meltham 2nd XI, who came bottom, join them in Alliance 4.
Alliance 4 – Flockton Double Up
Led by Captain Atif Sultan, Flockton 2nd XI win the Goulder Trophy, ending 6 points ahead of Cartworth Moor who were still in the running until their game against Holmbridge was called off. Flockton lost only twice in the league having recorded 18 victories whilst amassing 112 points.
The whole League is propped up by Denby Grange 2nd XI who finished bottom of Alliance 4, along with Almondbury 2nd XI in seventh position in this eight team division.
SUNDAY SECTION – Clayton West are Champions
Clayton West have finished top of the Sunday Section, rounding off another season of competitive Sunday cricket with the title.
Thank you to all the clubs who sent in photos
