Valley pair in confident mood for home tests

‘Royd face fourth-placed Copley having climbed to mid-table after a 21-run win over third-placed Thornton, who visit Booth this weekend.

The running out of Josh Hutchinson for 89 was crucial in Mytholmroyd’s win.

Adie Gawthrope bagged another five wickets as Thornton were all out for 220 in reply to the visitors’ 241.

Royd’s late order batsmen, with Tom Greenwood (54) to the fore, did a fine job lifting the total after ‘Royd had been 101 for six.

Skipper Dave Townsend (31) and last two Chris Overend (22 no) and Tom Earle (24) confirmed that ‘Royd bat all the way down.

Booth restricted Blackley to 205 for nine and won by four wickets with four overs to spare.

Chris Shannon took four for 29 for the visitors and Nigel Horsfall (34 no) and John Potkins (21 no) finished matters after Robert Laycock had made 52.

Oxenhope host Bridgeholme on Saturday and both need some points as they fill two of the bottom three places in Division One.

Both lost last weekend, Bridgeholme by three wickets at home to leaders Southowram after posting 242 for nine at Eastwood.

Young James Hudson (93) and Y.Mahmood (54) added 121 for Bridgeholme’s third wicket to ensure it was no cakewalk for the Rams.

However, a stand of 115 between Ian Gledhill (85) and Matthew Jones (42) helped Southowram into an 11-point lead at the top.

Opener Josh Fleetwood’s 103 was in vain for Oxenhope at Northowram Hedge Top.

He was last out, bowled by James Fearnley (four 40) after hitting the previous ball for six.

Oxenhope made 252 in reply to Northowram’s lofty 290 for seven, Ollie Hemingway (79), Raz Saghir (51) and skipper Nick Hall (47) making the visiting bowlers toil.

In Division Two, Luddenden Foot have a tricky trip to play Stones on Saturday looking to retain or improve on their joint second position with Wibsey Park Chapel.

Both won last Saturday, Foot by six wickets against lowly Denholme Clough.

Clough made 192 all out and a home victory was always klikely once Chris Roy (62) and Richard Pinder (47) had put on 94 for the first wicket.

Old Town looked to have a chance of beating Low Moor after dismissingthe runaway leaders for 171 with A. Matloob taking five for 39. However, Town only managed 153 in reply with Mohammed Jamil’s 40 the top score.

Old Town host Stainland on Saturday.