It was billed as the unofficial match of the day – second versus fourth in the JCT600 Bradford League Division One.

Yet it turned out to be one of the most one-sided games of the season as Cleckheaton thrashed Priestley Cup finalists East Bierley away by ten wickets, thanks to an outstanding bowling performance from Yorkshire’s Iain Wardlaw.

The paceman, who expects to sign an extension to his Yorkshire contract in the next few weeks, took advantage of helpful conditions, claiming 7-38 in 12 overs as Bierley were shot out for a mere 80 to set up Cleckheaton’s ten-wicket win.

The match was completed in three hours and ten minutes, including half an hour for tea.

Wardlaw said: “The pitch had a bit of swing and seam movement. There was also a bit of pace in the wicket, which gave us the edge if we bowled in good areas.

“Some days it doesn’t go for you – today was my day so I was happy.

“I think all the lads have played well this season. We have quite a strong, settled side.

“We lost our first four matches. In fact, it has been the same in the last few years – a bad start and then coming back strongly.”

Wardlaw, who signed an 18-month contract with his county midway through last season, said: “Playing for Yorkshire has been a learning curve.

“I still think I am learning and my own game is developing – it is progressing well. I think my performances in league cricket for Cleckheaton have shown that.

“Yorkshire back their players all the way and, if you are playing well, they give you a chance. I am grateful for that.”

Bierley made a bad start and never recovered as Wardlaw took their first six wickets. He trapped Andrew Rennison lbw with the second ball of the match and then dismissed skipper Lee Goddard and Richard Atkins in successive balls, with the score on 13, before dismissing prolific Gavin Hamilton at 21.

Pakistan international Rao Anjum was next to go at 33 and, by the time he had taken the wicket of Nick Walker at 45, the innings was in tatters.

Ian Wood got in on the act by dismissing Kez Ahmed at 55 and Wardlaw took his seventh wicket, trapping Andrew Newby lbw at the same score.

Former Yorkshire pace bowler James Lee then wrapped up the innings, taking the last two wickets of Luke Jarvis and Eddie Roberts. It says everything about the Bierley innings that the top scorer was extras with 14.

Bierley, who took no points from the match, missed the chance to keep in touch with leaders Woodlands as Cleckheaton leap-frogged them. Skipper Goddard offered no excuses. “You expect some seam movement with the new ball,” he said. “Cleckheaton have got two quality opening bowlers in Wardlaw and Lee and Wardlaw bowled tremendously well. He bowled with pace and got something out of the pitch.

“Take nothing away from them. We could have played better, but they bowled fantastically well and caught all their catches. We have been on the receiving end of it but we have got to stand up to the challenge and we didn’t do it.”