East Bierley’s success boosts survival hopes

The win saw Bierley move 18 points clear of second-bottom Farsley with three games to play.

Mark Gill hit six sixes and 12 fours on his way to an unbeaten 111, while Gavin Hamilton (42) and captain Dan Shuffe (31no) also shone as Bierley posted 274-5.

Awais Ejaz struck three early blows as Farsley were reduced to 29-3 and he went on to finish with 5-29.

Greg Pickles (81) and James Wainman (59) shared a 100-run fourth-wicket stand but Farsley were eventually bowled out for 237, leaving them 12 points adrift of third-bottom Lightcliffe.

Cleckheaton remain in the hunt for a third straight league title following an impressive 74-run win over New Farnley.

It was Cleckheaton’s seventh win in their last eight outings and they are 15 points behind leaders Pudsey St Lawrence, who they entertain on the final day of the season.

Cleckheaton were in trouble at 146-9 after Ian Fisher took 5-26 but James Lee struck 59 and shared a last-wicket stand of 46 with Ian Wood.

Iain Wardlaw (4-24) ripped out the Farnley top order and although Nick Walker struck 36, spinners Andrew Deegan (3-31) and Tanzeel Altaf (3-32) ensured Farnley were dismissed for 118.

Woodlands remain second, 10 points behind St Lawrence following an eight-wicket win over Bradford & Bingley.

The home side were reduced to 17-4 having elected to bat and with Sarfraz Ahmed (3-20) and Chris Brice (5-23) on song, Bingley were dismissed for just 109.

Woodlands cruised to their victory target with opener Sam Frankland making 54 not out as they knocked off the runs in 22.1 overs.

Hanging Heaton’s title hopes suffered a blow when they let the chance of victory slip through their fingers as they suffered a three-wicket defeat against Pudsey Congs.

Big-hitting David Stiff smashed a rapid 51 not out from just 32 balls, including six sixes, which gave the Heaton innings late impetus as they posted 209-7.

Ian Philliskirk (33) was the next highest scorer.

Dropped catches proved Heaton’s undoing as Congs chased down the to win by two wickets.

Opener Nick Lindley led the way with an unbeaten 103 but was dropped twice, the second time with Congs 60 runs short of victory.

Lindley hit a six and 14 fours and kept his cool when wickets tumbled after his opening partner Callum Geldart was dismissed for 48.

John Carruthers rolled back the years to take 4-32, but Heaton failed to capitalise on his good work and they are now 25 points behind the leaders.