Bradley’s Division One Craven League championship credentials were severely tested by Oakworth, and they came through with flying colours.
Batting first, Bradley struggled to 154, Ricky Linden and Jack Davison taking 3-34 and 3-47 respectively.
Oakworth were 37-4 at one time. Rob Hopkinson hit 41 to give them hope but the lower order batsmen were unable to respond to the challenge and they were dismissed for 129. Tim Rudden took 4-38 off ten overs.
A seventh-wicket partnership of 124 by S Hassan (86) and Mark Adams (38) gave the Cowling bowlers something to work with as they were all out for 198 against second-placed Cullingworth, having been 60-6.
Cullingworth’s reply was stunning. J Terry (48) and Gareth Marshall (97) opened up with 167 before the winning line was reached for the loss of those two in the 34th over.
Crossflatts consolidated third spot in a high-scoring game at Bradford Road.
Visitors Haworth had Damian Rowell in sparkling form as he hit 120 not out to lead the side to 237-5. Crossflatts roared back, with Mick Brooksbank crafting a fine knock of 116 and Amer Ayub 81, taking them to the spoils for the loss of three wickets.
Bingley Congs met an Ingrow side weakened by suspension and beat them by eight wickets.
The Hainworth side were knocked over for 108, with Alan Broadley scoring 40 as Neil Copping claimed 7-38. The latter then made 49 as the Beckfoot side cruised home.
Thornton increased their lead at the top of Division Two when they won and second-placed Barrowford’s game was rained off.
Thornton beat Haworth WE convincingly. Rob Foster (61) and Kev Pollard put on 135 for the first wicket – the third time the pair have put on over 100 for the first wicket this season. Jack Laycock (48) and Dave Scothern (36) joined in the fun as the total soared to 250-8. The Bronte side were hustled out for just 53, with Mark Paxton taking 5-18.
Six points adrift of Barrowford are neighbours Foulridge, who beat Riddlesden by four wickets off the penultimate ball of the game.
The Grange Road side recovered from 92-8 to reach 171-9. T Redfearn then hit an unbeaten 47 to lead Foulridge over the line for the loss of six wickets.
Ingrow St John’s continue their quest to move up the table from bottom spot. They beat Sutton to condemn them to taking over the last spot.
Sandy Lane entertained cup finalists Long Lee and saw them off by 42 runs. Skipper Luke Ellis, with 82, helped the home side to 198. N Smith took 7-50 as the Golden View side reached 156. Paul Stowell made 47 and Matt Taylor 47.
Division Three leaders Gargrave knocked Denholme over for 129, with golden oldie Malcolm Watson still proving his worth with the ball by taking 5-15.
The visitors galloped home for the loss of five wickets.
Tony Teale performed the hat-trick in his 6-14 as Bingley Congs dismissed Little Marsden for 122 in Division Five.
His heroics were in vain though as Congs were bowled out for 100 as Marsden remain unbeaten.
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