Aire-Wharfe League: Beckwithshaw’s Inglis hits century to down Steeton

They racked up 282-4 and declared after just 43 overs as John Inglis hit 141 from just 105 balls. Jonathan Best put in a sterling shift with the ball for Steeton, finishing with 4-38 from 11 overs.

In response, Steeton mustered only 137, John Akrigg hitting 45 and Best an unbeaten 27 as they were bowled out in 36 overs.

Captain Stuart Hudson was pleased with his side’s victory but more so the form of John Inglis.

He said: “John has not committed to playing every game but the games he has played in he’s just been the difference between the sides.

“Coming back has been a breath of fresh air for him.

“There’s been a different mindset from him to play aggressively as he has not had to carry the team .”

The table leaders now face a tough run of games which will determine if they can maintain their position at the top after facing third-placed Kirkstall next week and close rivals Otley the week after.

“We face Kirkstall and Otley in the space of two weeks and whoever comes out victorious in those fixtures will have a very good chance going forward,” predicted Hudson.

Bilton tightened their grip on fourth with a 100-run win over sixth-placed Rawdon.

Bilton’s captain Vic Craven (79) and Ryan Bradshaw (64) helped them to 227-9 to secure maximum batting points.

Rawdon struggled in response and reached only 127.

Follifoot earned their first points since their points deduction blow, however Nick Robinson’s men were still blown away at in-form Kirkstall.

The hosts recorded 272-8 with Andrew Siddal hitting 61 and Damien Lawrence, the player at the centre of the deduction, taking four wickets.

In response, Follifoot could only make 129 with Robinson topscoring on 29.

FIXTURES

Division One: Beckwithshaw v Kirkstall; Bilton v Steeton, Follifoot v Otley.