Shahnawaz impresses as Batley overcome Lightcliffe to boost survival hopes

Batley boosted their hopes of survival in the All Rounder Bradford Premier League thanks to a five-wicket win over Batley last Saturday.
Gomersals Joseph Duffy in action during his sides Championship One game against Bowling Old Lane last Saturday.Gomersals Joseph Duffy in action during his sides Championship One game against Bowling Old Lane last Saturday.
Gomersals Joseph Duffy in action during his sides Championship One game against Bowling Old Lane last Saturday.

Just seven points now separate the bottom four sides after Pudsey Congs handed themselves a lifeline with a 30-run win over Bradford and Bingley.

With East Bierley suffering a five-wicket defeat against Pudsey St Lawrence, just seven points cover bottom side Congs from fourth-bottom Batley going into the final two matches.

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Muhammad Shahnawaz proved Batley’s match winner returning impressive figures of 6-16 as Lightcliffe were bowled out for 109.

Captain Matt Baxter (45) and Kashif Naveed (30) provided the bulk of Lightcliffe’s runs.

Opener Sufyan Patel (39) and Kashif Talib (31no) made sure that Batley completed a five-wicket win.

Irfan Amjad again played a crucial innings for Pudsey Congs as his knock of 80 helped them to post a total of 187-8, despite the efforts of paceman Jack Hartley (4-49).

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The young Congs bowling attack backed up Amjad’s efforts by bowling out Bradford & Bingley for 157.

Hartley (53) was the only batsman to threaten Congs’ grip on the game, as off spinner Josh Wheatley returned 4-40 in what could proved to be a very significant win.

East Bierley were sent spinning deeper into the relegation mire by Pudsey St Lawrence slow bowlers Steve Watts (4-31) and Chris Marsden (4-54) as they were bowled out for 168 when they batted first.

Amar Rashid (45) and captain Adam Patel (33) lacked support as their side’s innings petered out after they had been 103-2 at one stage.

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Umar Yaqoob (4-39) lifted East Bierley’s spirits by removing both St Lawrence openers cheaply.

Barrie Frankland ensured there were no further alarms for St Lawrence with a season’s best 86no, while Tom Hudson made 43.

Batley (158 points) travel to New Farnley in their penultimate game, third bottom East Bierley (157) visit Hanging Heaton, Cleckheaton (156) visit Bradford and Bingley, while Congs (151) are at Lightcliffe.

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