Ben Walter blasts double ton to take East Bierley through in Heavy Woollen Cup

Walter smashed an incredible 22 sixes and 14 fours in an 113-ball innings of 227 not out. In doing so, he led Bierley past a Thornes score of 340-6 with 10.3 overs to spare.

It was a close run thing wickets-wise, however, as it needed an unbroken last-wicket stand of 80 with Reece Clark to get home. Such was Walter’s dominating innings that his partner contributed just four runs to the match-clinching partnership

Hanging Heaton also produced an impressive performance to secure a massive 10-wicket win over holders Shepley in their first round tie.

Openers Gary Fellows (88no) and Nick Connolly (56no) took just 24 overs to overhaul Shepley’s score of 151.

Hanging Heaton, who won the competition in 2018, were indebted to James Byrne (4-36) and David Stiff (4-46) for keeping the visitors’ talented batting line-up in check.

Five-times winners Wrenthorpe were unable to go through as they were left stunned by Bradford Division One side Birstall.

Mark Kingham (45) was Wrenthorpe’s only batsman to make an impression as they were bowled out for 120. Juned Hasim Delair (3-14) and Alex Drake (3-48) led the Birstall attack well.

Salt was rubbed into Wrenthorpe’s wounds when their former opener Eric Austin scored 37 as Birstall eased to their target with six wickets in hand.

Huddersfield Leaguers Scholes had skipper Bradley Birkhead to thank for their two-wicket win at Cleckheaton. He made a well-judged 109 to enable them to chase down their hosts’ score of 232-9 in which Ethan Lee made 81.

Crossbank Methodists were well beaten by Sandal by nine wickets after being bowled out for 120. James Coulborn (33) top scored.