Queensbury edge close-fought encounter with Southowram

Queensbury did just about enough to edge secondplaced Southowram in the Halifax League Second Division, writes Paul Whiteley.

Southowram made a dreadful start, losing their first three wickets for just five runs, including the vital wicket of Dean Crossley for a third-ball duck. Joshua Baines, who eventually finished with 6-53, claimed the first three wickets.

Dylan Crossley (65), led a revival to close on 172 all out but Queensbury just shaded the contest, replying with 173-7, the top effort coming from Bradley Gerrard-Harrison (41).

Sowerby St Peter’s retained top spot, winning by five wickets at Stones. Longserving Jack Leonard’s 6-19 was a career best as Stones were restricted to 114 all out.

St Peter’s still needed nearly 38 overs to complete the win with a hard working 115-5.

There was a thrilling finish at Bridgeholme, in the local derby with Old Town, with the hosts posting 192, Ali Ashghar taking 4-34.

The Town reply was dominated by Sagher Shaheen (65) and Zulfiqar Ahmed (49) but when the latter was caught and bowled at 178-9 the odds were on a home win. However,

Jahinger Khan scored a vital 14 runs and, added to a couple of extras, took Town to a winning 194-9. Bridgeholme’s Muhammad Ali claimed 6-52.

Outlane were sent packing for just 103 at Bradley and Colnebridge, but the hosts were indebted to Sajid Azeem (62) and a late flurry from Waqas Razzaq (21 not out), as they dragged themselves to 104-9.

Cullingworth looked in trouble at 140-9 in their home match against Mount but number nine bat Phil Poole took the attack to the visitors and thrashed 65 runs in 57 balls that took the final total to 190 all out.

His effort proved in vain though as Mount eased to 192-7 in 39 overs with Nazir Patel (62) top scoring. Elliot Robinson (4-14) was the leading light in the home team’s attack.

At Oakworth, Tom Raby also recorded career best bowling figures with 13-2-117, as his team beat Leymoor by five wickets.

The visitors could only muster 116 all out and the home team reached 117-5, led by Dan Plummell (49), despite the attentions of Martin Allison (4-42).