Pragam Sharma’s dominating display sparked Almondbury Wesleyans into life as they ruthlessly hammered Shepley on the opening day’s Swift Teamwear Premiership action. Champions Moorlands crushed their opponents, and bitter memories of their Sykes Cup rivals Broad Oak in brutal fashion. Scholes meanwhile made their title intentions clear with an 86 run demolition over stunning visitors Kirkburton.
In an absorbing encounter at Kaye Lane, Almondbury Wesleyan flexed their fresh muscle by posting a commanding total of 254-8 in their allotted 50 overs against Shepley. The highlight of their innings was an explosive century by Pragam Sharma, who smashed 125 runs from just 113 deliveries, including 14 fours and 6 sixes. Former Shepley prodigy Josh Hoyle also made a significant contribution by adding an unbeaten 62 runs from 54 balls. For Shepley, Danny Glover and Sam Askey picked up two wickets each. In response, Shepley struggled to build partnerships and were eventually bowled out for 149 runs in 34.4 overs. Matt Henshaw was the pick of the bowlers for Almondbury Wesleyan, finishing with figures of 4-35. New signing Mohammed Nabeel also made an impressive debut following his move from Holmfirth by claiming 3 wickets for 38 runs. Despite their efforts, Shepley fell well short of their target, handing Almondbury Wesleyan a convincing 105 run victory.
Moorlands faced off against Sykes Cup foes Broad Oak away from home. Byrom Shield holders Moorlands, who were snubbed by their opponents in last August's Sykes Cup final, posted a competitive total of 198-8, anchored by solid contributions from Marcus Walmsley (37) and James Rawlinson (39). Their patient partnership over a combined 204 balls provided stability to their innings. Alex Slack was the standout bowler for Broad Oak, claiming 4-66. In reply, Broad Oak struggled to build partnerships and were bundled out for just 96 runs. Jon Rudge and Andrew Brown, their new signing from Australia, both impressed with the ball, picking up 3 wickets each. Harley Lodge top-scored for Broad Oak with 31 runs. Despite their efforts, Oak fell short by crashing to 96ao, handing current champions Moorlands an opening victory in their campaign to defend their title.
At Chapelgate, Scholes ground out 160-9 against visitors Kirkburton. Ben Tighe and Wasim Javed played crucial roles to rebuild an innings in danger of faltering, putting on a vital 53-run partnership for the 9th wicket. ‘Burton mainstays Tom Burkinshaw (3-28) and Andrew Smith (5-29) were the pick of the bowlers. In reply, Kirkburton struggled against Scholes' bowling attack and were skittled out for just 74 runs in 24.4 overs. Javed and Paul Nasser starred with the ball for Scholes, picking up 3 wickets each. Kirkburton's innings never got going, as they collapsed to 47-9 before being bowled out for a disappointing 74.
Premiership new boys Delph & Dobcross and Golcar never got the opportunity to get on the field with their matches at home to Barkisland and away to Hoylandswaine lost to the weather. Skelmanthorpe (vs Honley) also suffered the same fate.
