Bierley move second after impressive win over Saints

Bierley’s new overseas quickie Waqas Maqsood continued to make an impact and claimed 3-23, while Kez Ahmed (3-58) supported as Lawrence were restricted to a modest 162-8 at the usually high scoring Tofts Road.

Bierley were given a few scares as Chris Marsden picked up 4-41 but they edged over the line by three wickets as Richard Atkins made an unbeaten 44.

Pudsey Congs are the only unbeaten side after overcoming Cleckheaton, while there were first defeats for champions Woodlands and Hanging Heaton.

Cleckheaton made a terrific start when Jimmy Lee claimed two wickets from the first three balls of the match and Congs slipped from 0-2 to 73-6.

Former Cleckheaton player Edward Walmsley (38) and ex Gomersal man Jack Seddon (46) led Congs to 163 despite the efforts of Ian Wood (5-44).

Cleckheaton also struggled early on as they were reduced to 13-5 by a brilliant spell of bowling from Richie Lamb (6-31).

Ian Nicholson (41) and Ian Wood (30) led a fightback but Cleck were bowled out for 123.

Promoted Baildon inflicted a 69-run defeat on champions Woodlands.

Scott Richardson top scored with 44 but Woodlands were dismissed for 125 in reply to Baildon’s 194-7 as Simon Bailey claimed 4-33.

Hanging Heaton also suffered a first loss as they were bowled out for 114 in the face of some highly effective spin bowling from Josh Wheatley (5-24).

Overseas player Montcin Hodge made his mark by scoring 56 on his Heaton debut but they still fell 166 runs short of Lightcliffe’s impressive total of 230-8.

Captain Mark Lawson continued his excellent start to the season by claiming figures of 5-58. However, it wasn’t enough as Charles Roebuck (49), Oliver Robinson (53) and Jonathan Wilson (37) impressed for Lightcliffe.