New recruit Longhurst leads way for Whitley

Whitley Hall, aiming to put their first notch on the top section championship, maintained their 100 per cent record with their third successive win.

They became the first team in the Premier Division to pass the 300 mark this term when reaching 366-4 against Elsecar, a club with 15 top-flight titles to their name.

Neil Longhurst, recruited from Sheffield United, blasted 153, with 15 fours and eight sixes, South African all-rounder Jaco Castle adding an unbeaten 90 and Alex Welsh 83. Elsecar were bowled for 233, Chathura Athukorala making 61 not out and Ainsley Swallow 43 against the bowling of Adam Wilson (5-31).

Promoted Whiston came up against the most punishing batsman in the League, Treeton opener Andy Tomlinson, who took his tally from three innnings to 309 with a blistering knock of 124, including 14 fours, as the champions reached 257-6. Whiston fell for 61 with Gary Montgomery claiming five wickets.

Wickersley batted strongly to total 258-6 with Scott Cunningham and Gareth Davies each in the 80s at Hallam, the hosts closing on 240-9 after being 117-7.

A half-century from Ali Raza steered Houghton Main to 180-7, hosts Tickhill coming back to win at 184-9, Ashley Fiddler cracking 73.

Barnsley had Wath back in the pavilion for 137, long-serving Steve Raynolds making 46. Simon Potter's 40 led Barnsley to 138-7.

Coal Aston enjoyed a runaway win over Doncaster in Division One, Liam Johnson making 98 and Terry Pearson 79 not out of their 246-3. Town were sent packing for 136, James Dobson hitting 38.

Rotherham had five wickets to spare after passing Shiregreen's 196, Hadar Rasool hitting 69 for the losers and Gerhardus Rudlolph 68 for Town.

Visitors Norton Woodseats reached 194-7 and polished off Treeton II for 93, Mohammad Naveed hitting an unbeaten 45 and taking 5-19.

The top batsmen in Division Two was Rossington's Gregg Mann with 94 not out in the eight-wicket win over Aston Hall.

The top bowler was Rotherham's Kevin Smallman (9-28) against Houghton B (56).