Shelley’s fabulous team effort, spearheaded by Jake Holling’s efforts with bat and ball, upset Almondbury Wesleyans’ hopes for a cup run in the only real shock of the round.
Jake Holling took 2-35 and scored 24 with the bat for Shelley as they produced the only round one upset with their first win of the season at club Almondbury Wesleyan. The Premiership hosts were harried on their way to 181-8 with Holling, Maaiz Khan (2-30) and Martin Sykes (2-54) all doing their bit to keep them reined in. Shelley’s pursuit was calm and measured with several batsmen contributing useful partnerships. Skipper Callum Power made 33 opening the batting, whilst Blake McDonald (25), Kirin Green (44) and Sykes (23) all kept the scoreboard moving as Shelley ran out winners on 188-7.
Yaasir Imtiaz and Josh Brook both snared three wickets for Scholes who edged past Delph & Dobcross in a match that overflowed into Tuesday evening. Rain prematurely ended play on Sunday with Delph forced to declare on 117-9. Scholes had to withstand an uncomfortable inquisition led by Lucas Selby (3-44, above). New overseas man Mitchell Slattery (41) was the fulcrum of Scholes’ victory who successfully responded with 118-8.
Sykes Cup holders Moorlands made mincemeat of Meltham by dismissing the Championship side for 64 with Nadim Hussain (3-13, above) standing out from the crowd before then wrapped up an 8-wicket victory. Hoylandswaine didn’t break a sweat either at home to Emley Clarence from the Conference as they racked up 295-4 from a pre-arranged 30 over match. Furqan Shafiq (89) and Pragam Sharma (78no) top scored and then new Australian import Sol Balbi (6-6) ran through Emley to leave them 54ao.
Two grand old clubs are on very different trajectories which was emphasised by Honley’s dominance over record cup winners Elland. Charlie Taylor (4-7, above) and Simon Kelly (5-3) ensured an early finish by skittling the hosts for just 42 and they lost three wickets in the reply. In the same neck of the woods, Barkisland plotted their path to round two and required a D-L finish at home to Slaithwaite. Cameron Van Rensburg kept Slaithwaite on a short leash by taking 4-31 and new Australian batsman Charlie Mitchell hit 41 in the second innings which was reduced to 20 overs.
Skelmanthorpe’s impeccable start to the season rolled on with an impressive dismantling at Holmfirth. Kian Schwartz took 4-22 with the ball as Holmfirth were kept under control being bowled out for 96. Jack Newby dominated the second innings with a brisk 87no in ‘Shat’s 99-0. Paul Cummins was worth a mention in dispatches for his diligent 9 runs from 49 balls!
Kirkburton, Shepley and Thongsbridge all pushed past their Championship opposition. Tom Burkinshaw continued his profitable weekend with 3-26 as Clayton West were cut to size; bowled out for 123. Roscoe Tahttil’s 71 (above) made sure of victory for Kirkburton. A century from Max Joice, his first since 2019, provided the bedrock to Shepley’s test against in-form Championship team Denby. Joice hit 110 from 124 balls to lay down 228-8. ‘Ozzie’ Davidson (4-48) saw them off with the ball as Denby lost their final three wickets for no run and crashed to 165ao. Meanwhile, Thongsbridge spinner Keiran Abrams claimed 4-13 at Golcar who were bowled out for 115 before going on to score an unbeaten 43 in his side’s 117-3 response.
Broad Oak opening bowler Liam Moran checked his side into the next round draw by claiming 4-21 at Cumberworth who were all out for 145. They slipped to 26-3 before Cameron Todd (40no) and captain Fletcher Coutts (53no) shared a 92-run partnership. Dave Bolt hit a half-century for Mirfield Parish Cavaliers at home to Linthwaite. Bolt (61) was central to his team’s 9-wicket win after Linthwaite were earlier undone by the bowling of Tom Olsen (3-30).
Birkby Rose Hill’s Samad Hussain and Zain Ul Abdin grabbed three wickets apiece to see off Conference side Marsden at home. Chaudry Anwar Ul Haq (68no) steered Birkby home by 8 wickets and Armitage Bridge amassed 293-7 at home to Rastrick. Chris Dennison (95) and Jaycob Curtling (81) cashed in before Bevan Coveley (above) hit 63no. Rastrick were castled for 134 in reply.
Lascelles Hall came through in the ‘battle of the Halls’ by easily overcoming Hall Bower at home. Tom Wightman took 4-23 to help bowl the visitors out for only 62 and Marlon Rodrigo carried Lascelles Hall into round two with 43no. Kirkheaton remained the only Conference team left in the hat as they won against fellow third-tier team Upperthong. They made heavy work of Upperthong’s 80-9 in a match reduced to 25 overs each. Aussie Captain Reece Abrams stood firm with 40no in the Kirkheaton reply of 81-6.
