Posted: September 16, 2006

 

Woodlands have retained the SDS Bradford League Division One championship. They defeated Saltaire by 97 runs to ensure the trophy remains at Albert Terrace for another year.

Woodlands gained 18 points for their victory and finished nine ahead of Pudsey Congs who received similar reward for a six-wicket win at Hanging Heaton, with Pudsey St Lawrence a further two points adrift after taking a maximum 20 points from a 160-run triumph over Idle.

At the other end of the table Morley are relegated after a six-wicket defeat at East Bierley. They go down to the Second Division with keighley who ended their disappointing campaign with only their third win of the season - a 33-run success against Cleckheaton.

Woodlands, Congs and St Lawrence all had chances of the title going into the final round of matches. Woodlands had their destiny in their own hands. They started with a nine-point advantage and knew that their two rivals would only have a chance if they slipped up.

Woodlands didn't. They secured their 19th win in 26 matches and were deservedly crowned champions. Skipper Tim Orrell, who took the catch which clinched the triumph, hailed it as "A great team success."

He added: "The may not be too many of our players high in the batting averages, and there may be a couple in the bowling, but the secret of our success is teamwork. Everybody can chip in and it is the combination of all the different talents that has made us champions."

On the final day there was a star performer. Yorkshire all-rounder Richard Pyrah top scored with 56 as Woodlands made 218 all-out, and took five for 45 as Saltaire were dismissed for 121.

The match had plenty of drama and unexpected incidents. Safraz Ahmed, dropped first ball when he chipped a return catch to Saltaire captain Ijaz Khan, then hit the first five balls of Khan's 12th over for sixes into the river Aire. Thankfully for Khan, me missed the sixth.

Then there was injury drama with Murphy Walwyn suffering a damaged cheekbone after colliding with Orrell when the Woodlands skipper holed out for a fine 46.

Imran Arif continued his fine form for Saltaire with five for 60 and was particularly impressive when he returned to the attack in the closing overs.

Saltaire opener Gharib Razak (41) looked a menacing figure as he launched some flowing off drives, but when he was caught by substitute Michael Pyrah on the long on boundary, Saltaire's hopes went with him.

Richard Pyrah, galvanised by the helping hands of his dad, went on to take five for 45 while left arm spinner Chris Brice took three for 14 as Woodlands triumphed.

Pudsey Congs, who have had to overcome considerable injury problems throughout the season, couldn't have fought harder. They again showed their great tenacity as they overhauled a Hanging heaton score of 238 for nine to secure second place.

Opener Andy Bethel anchored the reply with 79 while Andrew Bairstow (76) played the decisive innings hitting a six and 13 fours. Bethel and Bairstow shared a third-wicket stand of 142.

Former Woodlands player Nick Whitehill was top scorer with 65 for Hanging Heaton, while skipper Alan Mynett hit a breezy unbeaten 50 to swell the total to 239 for nine. Muhammad Azhar-Ullah took four for 61 and Neil Gill (3-71).

Pudsey St Lawrence, as they have done so often the season, batted first and posted a challenging total against Idle. They made 259 for nine with Gareth Clough (56), James Smith (55) and Gary Fellows (50) all making half centuries as Idle, without their overseas fast bowler Dinusha Fernando, were made to struggle. Off spinner Paul Cummins (3-59) and Greg Colehan (3-80) were their most successful bowlers.

Idle batted poorly in reply. Danny Shuffe (25) top scored as they were skittle for 99 with teenage spinner Chris Marsden taking three for ten and Clough (3-25).

Morley's fate was settled at East Bierley where their brittle batting was exposed again. They were dismissed for 142 despite the efforts of Adam larkin (43) and skipper Dave Nebard (37). Teenage seamer Dan Abbott, promoted to replace overseas player Jaffer Nazir who had returned home, seized his chance with four for 14, while Paul Hutchison took three for 31.

East Bierley had no problems knocking off the runs. Opener Richard Gould led the way with 71 - an innings which contained three sixes and ten fours. Off spinner Steve Lane was the best Morley bowler with three for 46.

Morley finished 19 points adrift of Cleckheaton who suffered a surprise 33-run defeat against bottom team Keighley. It was only Keighley's third win of the season, but it was a belated reward for the way in which they have battled on during a difficult campaign.

All-rounders Richard Robinson and Rob Bartlett were key to their success. Robinson made 49 not and took five for 29, while Australian Bartlett hit 34 and picked up three for 41.

Their efforts with the ball saw Cleckheaton bowled out for 154 in reply to Keighley's score of 187 for six. Mark Gill (47) and Ian Wood (43) were the main contributors for Cleckheaton who have endured an indifferent season.

Inconsistent Baildon managed to finish on a high note. They defeated Brighouse by 28 runs with left arm spinner Mushtaq Ahmed claiming five for 38 as Brighouse were bowled out for 163. Baildon built their score of 191 around the contributions of Simon Davies(43), skipper Ian Philliskirk (41) and Colin DeGrandhomme (37). Robin Hill (4-43) was the best brighouse bowler.

Matthew Cockshott produced season's best figures of six for 29 to bowl Bradford & Bingley to a 68-run win over Farsley. Opener Steve Simpson hit ten boundaries in his knock of 51 but despite his efforts Farsley crumbled to 123 all out.

Bradford & Bingley owed their eventual total of 191 to a good innings of 60 from young all-rounder Chris Thompson after their early order had crumbled. Robert Thornton (3-42) and Jan Gadzina (3-50) were the best Farsley performers with the ball.