Hanging Heaton hit form ahead of champion Saints tie

Heaton go into the mouthwatering clash with a seven point lead over their rivals at the top of the All Rounder Bradford Premier League.

Lightcliffe failed to capitalise on the determined efforts of openers Alex Stead (84) and Ian Philliskirk (49).

Stead had to retire hurt on 24 but later returned to lead his side’s innings.

Captain Fellows took 4-43 and was backed up by spinner Muhammed Rameez (3-57) as the overseas player took his tally to 41 wickets.

Fellows and Nick Connolly confirmed their status as the league’s most prolific opening partnership as they helped Heaton to victory.

They shared a first-wicket stand of 131 — their fourth century partnership in 15 matches — which enabled their side to avenge their early-season defeat at Lightcliffe.

Fellows took his tally of league runs to 695 with a knock of 85, while Connolly finished unbeaten on 82 as Lightcliffe’s score of 214 was chased down with 8.3 overs to spare.

Fellows has now scored 1,219 club runs for Heaton and is relishing Saturday’s visit of the reigning champions to Bennett Lane.

St Lawrence registered a convincing 172-run win over bottom club Scholes to end a three-match losing run.

Mark Robertshaw, who topped the league batting averages in the last two seasons, made his first century of the campaign and ended unbeaten on 106, having hit 13 fours.

James Smith then provided some fireworks as he blasted seven sixes and four fours while making 73 from just 42 balls and that enabled his side to post a score of 281-5.

Scholes lost two wickets without a run on the board and were dismissed for 109, despite Rizwan Ahmed top scoring with 30.

Leg spinner Tom Hudson took 5-21 as St Lawrence wrapped up victory to maintain their challenge for three trophies this season.