Weather frustrates as Honley press on

Kirkburton and Delph & Dobcross had their matches against Slaithwaite and Scholes cut short by the weather, leaving them to take three points each, while Honley seized five points to open a one-point advantage at the top over Kirkburton with Delph a further two points behind ahead of yesterday.

Batting first, Golcar totalled a respectable 254-5, Steve Whitwam and James Howson opening the innings with a stand worth 134. Whitwam’s fifth century of the season in league and cup contained ten fours and six sixes, Howson and Craig Horner making half-centuries. However, Honley reached their target in the 38th over, Max Joice contributing 87 and Michael Fraine 59 not out.

Kirkburton, who began the day leading Honley by a point, reached 62-4 in reply to Slaithwaite’s 229-6 when rain ended proceedings. Replying to Scholes’s total of 230-8, Delph reached 82-3 in 14 overs when rain, which had earlier caused a two-hour interruption, won the day.

Barkisland are relegated after their home game with Skelmanthorpe fell foul of the weather. Andrew Gleave made 74 in the Barkisland total of 242-9.

Shelley gained a vital win against visitors Elland in their scrap to avoid the drop.

Brothers Danny and Craig Glover took three wickets each for Shepley in a nine-wicket trouncing of Broad Oak, and a third-wicket stand of 127 by John Sadler and Alex Morris helped Hoylandswaine reach the 300 mark as they defeated visitors Marsden by 71 runs.

Clayton West lead the way in the promotion race after a nine-wicket victory at Almondbury where Tom Barber hammered an unbeaten 84 for the winners.

Hall Bower lost ground after a five-wicket defeat at Emley Clarence where David Stratford took 4-30 and Dan Onions 3-33, and Stratford’s brother Craig took a stunning pivotal catch.