Cowling’s brave bid to beat drop ends in disappointment (From Craven Herald)

Cowling’s brave bid to beat drop ends in disappointment

12:37pm Thursday 15th September 2011 in Craven League

Cowling’s brave bid to avoid relegation from Division One ended in disappointment when they suffered a six-wicket defeat at Barrowford.

It means they will drop into Division Two next season with Cononley.

The Keighley Road side were put in and made 153-7 with Charlie Hassan scoring 52 and Gareth Frankland (31).

Their total was overhauled by Barrowford as Freddie Bailey (76no) and Ajmal Choudrhy (42) led the way.

Bradley and Embsay were both relieved to escape the drop.

Bradley were at home to second-placed Cullingworth who blasted 231-8 with Bevan Ravenscroft (61) and Chris Welch (57) leading the way.

Bradley could only manage 173-5 in reply with Neil Andrews (58no) being their top scorer.

Embsay ended their season on a high note as they won by six wickets at Bingley Congs.

Scott Robinson (5-45) and John Metcalfe (4-13) impressed as Congs were dismissed for 112.

Embsay crashed to 5-3 then 24-4 before Duncan Ward – who was dropped twice – hit an unbeaten 36 to support Alan Pickles (51no) in an unbroken fifth-wicket stand of 92.

Cononley departed the top flight with another defeat. They went down by 45 runs to Thornton.

Their young bowler Billy Pinder (5-44) again impressed with 5-44, but Thornton were able to recover from 47-4 to make 207-8 thanks to Jason Lockley (74) and Mark Paxton (54no) .

Cononley were chugging along fairly well at 131-3 then the wickets tumbled and they were all out for 162. Herbert Starkey top scored with 48 as Jason Lockley took 4-26 and Luke Scothern (3-31).

Champions Oakworth suffered only their fourth defeat of the season as they lost by three wickets at Haworth Road Second Division champions, Airedale, popped along the road to Riddlesden and won by 18 runs.

The second promotion spot was between Ingrow and Sutton and the two met at Royd Hill in what turned out to be a fractious affair. Chris White (43) led the Hainworth side to 152-8 in their overs with Rob Walker (3-42) being the best bowler. Sutton's innings was going along well, but they were interrupted for nearly half an hour by heavy rain. On the resumption the light started to deteriorate. The umpires conferred three times and the interests of safety brought the players off and concluded the game. Sutton were 144-9 with just two overs of the game left which was frustrating for the home side.

Wilsden ensured their safety with a six-wicket victory over Embsay II.

Gargrave saw off Cononley II by seven wickets in a low scoring game Division Three game.

Gargrave II shot Denholme II out for 67 in Division Five and then fell seven runs short in their chase.

P Ellis (68no) Tim Gates (31) and C Heald (5-48) were the main players for Thornton II as they beat rock-bottom Eldwick & Gilstead II 74 runs