Oakworth open four-point lead at the top (From Craven Herald)

Oakworth open four-point lead at the top

11:27am Thursday 18th August 2011 in Craven League

With only four weeks of the season left, Oakworth now have a handy four-point lead at the top of Division One.

They had few problems defeating bottom team Cononley by ten wickets.

The South Craveners were bowled out for 87 with Steve Filkin taking 5-12 off 10.2 overs.

In reply Jack Hainsworth blasted six sixes and six fours in his unbeaten 70 while Joel Gallagher batted far more sedately for his 21not out.

Cullingworth lost ground as they suffered a three-wicket defeat against last year’s champions Crossflatts at Roydwood Terrace in a niggly game.

Stewart Rodger (72) and Gareth Marshall (41) helped the home side to 213-6, but A Ayub stroked a superb 111 to set up the unexpected victory.

Third-placed Haworth Road went down again at Barrowford. Ajmal Choudhry (68) and Freddie Bailey (37no) helped the Bull Holme side to 157-9 with Mohammed Zahid taking 4-43.

Choudrhy followed up with 3-45 to go with M Irfan’s 4-31 as the ten-man visitors were dismissed for 104.

Cowling’s bid for a great escape from relegation continues. They pulled level on points with Embsay with a fifth-successive victory.

Cowling bowled out visitors Thornton for a paltry 39. Only Rob Foster with 11 made double figures as Steve Richardson took 6-15 and Charlie Hassan (4-20).

Cowling lost three wickets reaching eight before Martyn Dalby clattered 28no to take them to victory.

Mark Paxton took all three wickets to fall for 14 runs.

Embsay suffered an eight-wicket defeat at Haworth after their batting collapsed.

They were dismissed for 79 despite a battling 44 from Duncan Ward.

Richard Ellis claimed 4-33 and Damian Rowell (3-24).

The Bronte side sauntered to their target in the 25th over.

Bradley reaped a welcome three points when they saw off visitors Bingley Congs by 29 runs.

The foundation of the victory was an opening partnership of 98 by Michael Clarkson (33) and James Heseltine who finished with 78.

A quick-fire 31from Neil Andrews boosted the total to 192-9 despite Neil Copping finishing with 6-63 off 19.4 overs.

Chris Dibb made a fighting 72 for the Beckfoot side as they closed on 163 with Heseltine taking 5-52 to round off a good afternoon for himself.