LEADERS Woodlands overcame an early scare as they returned to winning ways with a comfortable 133-run All Rounder Cricket Bradford Premier League Premier Division win over bottom team Methley.

Such an outcome seemed unlikely when Woodlands were reduced to 39-4, but once again New Zealander Brad Schmulian came up with a crucial innings to transform his side’s fortunes.

Schmulian made 89 and his good work was built on by Mohammad Bilal as he blasted an unbeaten 57 from just 35 balls as Woodlands finished on 241-7.

Methley never looked likely to challenge the home side’s score and were bowled out for 108. Adam Patel (41) was the only batsman to challenge the domination of the Woodlands attack as Scott Richardson (4-25) helped his side to another win.

Methley’s disappointment at losing was heightened when news filtered through that the two teams that started the day immediately above them, Undercliffe and Wrenthorpe had both won to leave them 38 points from safety.

Undercliffe defeated Lightcliffe by 54 runs and climbed above their rivals in the table. Khalid Usman (68), Michael Kelsey (55), Farouk Alam (48) and Jack Holland (42) all showed good form with the bat as they powered their side to 250-6.

Despite the efforts of Suleman Khan (53) and Yasir Abbas (46), Lightcliffe were bowled out for 196 with Derbyshire Second Team player Mark Watt taking 3-61.

The result leaves Lightcliffe on 106 points and they are just four ahead of Wrenthorpe after the second-from-bottom side recorded a four-wicket win at Cleckheaton.

Oversea player Khalil Khan took 3-53 as Cleckheaton were restricted to 186-9 and followed up by making 79 as Wrenthorpe secured only their third win.

Inconsistent Cleckheaton once again showed their frailty with the bat as only skipper Mally Nicholson (51) and Toby Thorpe (37) made an impression. Their bowlers also struggled with Jonathan Whiteoak (3-62) the one exception as they suffered their second defeat at the hands of Wrenthorpe this season.

Opening batsman Callam Goldthorp showed no mercy for his former club Pudsey St Lawrence as he hit a century which helped Bradford & Bingley to a 114-run win at Wagon Lane.

Goldthorpe struck one six and 15 fours and was joined in an opening stand of 175 by overseas player Mohammad Afridi (88) which provided the foundations for a total of 260-5.

St Lawrence stumbled to 146 all out in reply with Archie Scott (36) and Barrie Frankland (31) providing the only real resistance to Kyme Tahirkeli (4-10) and Jack Hartley (3-42) as Bradford & Bingley climbed above St Lawrence into second place – 27 points behind Woodlands.

New Farnley followed up their emphatic win over Woodlands with a six-wicket victory over Hanging Heaton in a match decided on Duckworth Lewis Stern after rain interrupted a compelling contest.

Hanging Heaton were forced to show great character as they battled their way to 203 when they batted first. They had to combat some impressive bowling from Alex Lilley (6-37) and were indebted to Callum Geldart (42), Aqsad Ali (40) and Ishmail Dawood (39) for earning them four batting points.

New Farnley were going along nicely when rain brought a premature end with their score on 137-4 after 36 overs.

Skipper Lee Goddard (36), Adam Waite (34) and Dan Hodgson (36no) ensured their side scored quickly enough to secure the victory.

Townville produced a fine performance to secure a six-wicket win at Farsley. Connor Harvey took 5-56 as the Red Laners were restricted to 178-8. James Logan (58) and Ben Morley (31) were the only batsmen to make an impression.

Townville were powered towards their victory target by a second-wicket stand of 109 between opener Jonathan Booth (82) and Harry Warwick (44).