Posted: July 13, 2008

Holders East Bierley took another step in their bid to win the Sovereign Health Care Priestley Shield for a third successive year by over-powering Division Two promotion chasers Morley in their third round tie.

Once again opener Steve Simpson was in top form as he completed a fine century as East Bierley made 286-5 in their 50 overs. Simpson made 105 and gained good support from Thomas Owens (76) and James Petty (40).

Morley were dismissed for 133 in reply as East Bierley clinched a 153-run win. Liam Fynn (34no) top scored for Morley, while Chris Brook (3-29) and Paul Ellis (3-30) were the pick of the East Bierley bowlers.

Gomersal are the only Division Two side in the last four. They defeated Manningham Mills by 137 runs with Simon Halls adding a robust 85 to the century he scored in the league 24 hours earlier against Morley. Zaheer Hussain (44) was the other main contributor for Gomersal as they made 199 before dismissing Mills for just 62. Craig Woodhead took four for 16.

Cleckheaton increased their hopes of reaching the final which will be played on their own Moorend ground on September 7, by defeating Undercliffe by six wickets. Adam Fearnley took four for 22 and Marcus Walmsley (3-10) as Undercliffe were dismissed for 138. Sofian Khan (42) and Andy Wilsdon (38) were the top scorers. Cleckheaton were steered towards their victory target by opener Chris Dobson who made 49.

Hanging Heaton, who last won the Shield in 2003, saw off Keighley by 92 runs. Michael Horner (52no) and Chris Goodaire (34) helped Hanging Heaton to a score of 178-9 as Ashley Robinson took three for 34 for Keighley. In reply, Keighley were dismissed for 86 as Adnan Hafeez took three for 22 and Umar Rehman (3-20).