Mirfield Parish didn’t have it all their own way but still managed to get their campaign off to a winning start at Clayton West. Dan Broadbent (55) rebuilt their recovery from 49-5 with a half-century as Clayton West’s new signing Usman Jamil took 6-31. The hosts rued their collapse from 124-2 to 153ao and finished 26 runs short despite Alex Clegg’s 57.
Denby's Tom Sanders showed his worth with bat and ball during their wholesome win at Elland.
Denby delivered a blow to Elland with a routine six wicket success at Hullen Edge. Elland’s new season signing from New Rover, Mohammed Khan (47) was the only batsman to emerge with credit, hitting half of his new side’s 87 runs. Tom Sanders, who left for Cawthorne over the winter only to do a quick U-turn and return to Denby, helped his team maintain complete control over their opponents by taking 4-15. He then went on to score 44 in the reply.
Meltham, who missed out on promotion last season, suffered an early setback at Rastrick. After setting 193-6, they restricted the hosts to 15-3 but Jacob Waterson, returning from Sheffield Collegiate, hit 73 to turn things around. Slaithwaite were unpicked with ease at Shelley by being dismissed for a meagre 34 in reply to Shelley’s 162ao. Dave Berry took 5-22 for Slaithwaite but no batsman could make double figures as they were blown away by Faisal Usman, Cameron France and Deno Baker who all claimed three wickets each.
Emley Clarence are looking for improvements as they were soundly beaten at home to Lascelles Hall for whom Jack Mulhall (6-36) and Gavin Smith (4-17) did the damage. Emley’s Mohammed Nabeel who switched clubs to Holmfirth destroyed Lepton Highlanders, firstly with 40 and then followed up with 4-35. Mohammad Khuzaifa (5-31) completed the rout for Holmfirth.
