FOLLOWING a brilliant run of summer sunshine, the rains retuned to decimate the penultimate day of the Spenser Wilson Halifax League season.

Only two matches across the divisions started and finished, but what an important two results they produced.

While Thornton, Premier Division leaders since May 12, were inactive at Hill Top Road, defending champions Booth finally clawed back their long-standing points deficit to take a one-point lead at the top, setting up a nail-biting finish to the season.

Relegated Bridgeholme batted first at Broad Fold Park and fell apart to first-change bowler Moazzam Ayub (7-39).

Assisted by Nigel Patrick Thomas (3-27), the Eastwood team were soon back in the pavilion for 95.

Mindful of the circulating clouds, the hosts crashed the runs required in just nine overs to claim maximum points at 99-2.

The Laycocks – Robert (27no) and Richard (25no) – ensured victory.

On Saturday, Booth visit Triangle, with the home team attempting to spoil any party, while Thornton appear to have the easier task at already-relegated Southowram.

All credit to the efforts of Cullingworth members for getting their Division Two game on against Upper Hopton.

Sitting at the very bottom of the league tables after a desperate season, it would have been much easier to walk away from Roydwood Terrace but some hard work and patience prevailed as the match started at 4pm.

Should Upper Hopton gain promotion, a big thank-you will no doubt be posted to Cullingworth, who mustered 60-6, with Jon Terry (21no) thwarting Matt Broadbent (3-32) and co.

Opener Phil Poole Jnr (14) was the only other player to reach double figures in Cullingworth's 26-over innings.

Hopton, and Ian Wightman (43no) in particular, were well aware that it could rain again and collected those vital 10 points in double quick time to leapfrog a redundant Luddendenfoot.

Upper Hopton, who had to apply for re-election last year, are now in the driving seat to gain promotion with champions Mount.

Hopton now have the ‘simple’ task of scoring six points on Saturday at Jackroyd Lane against Leymoor. Luddendenfoot must now win at Low Moor HT and hope that Leymoor can do them a massive favour.

The Premier relegation places are now confirmed, with Bridgeholme accompanying Southowram into the First Division.

They will be replaced by Illingworth St Mary’s and Sowerby Bridge, while Queensbury and Stones drop down to the bottom tier.