Craven League Cricket

AS was widely expected amongst the cricket fraternity, the drawing of pretty white lines upon grass is very similar to a rain dance. After all the fine weather of the previous weeks, rain decided to put in an appearance on Thursday and Saturday's Craven League programme was duly affected in a number of instances.

On softish wickets, matches did get under way promptly on Saturday, but play was interrupted by rain and two games in the first division ended prematurely when interestingly poised.

In the First Division, champions Embsay made a steady start down at Skipton CI. They lost a couple of quick wickets before Duncan Bullough 40 and David Robinson took them to 96-3. The latter perished at 106 before some tail wagging helped them to 169-9 in their overs. Nick Williamson took 5-61 and his brother, Shaun 4-57.

In reply, CI set off well, with Simon Bates clattering 42 before being fourth out with the score on 68. The Williamson brothers were coasting along when rain intervened with the score on 136-4. On the resumption both were dismissed, Nick for 49, and the innings crumpled to 148 all out. John Metcalfe finished with 5-56 and Stephen Speak 4-57.

Last season's runners-up, Oakworth, were away at Cullingworth and made 164 batting first, new skipper John Crossley leading the way with 64. The home side were on 132-7 when play was halted with just four overs remaining. Steve Welch made 36 and T. Richardson 32no.

Barrowford made a scintillating start when they crushed visitors Haworth by 10 wickets. The Bronte side batted first and was dismissed for 126, with Damian Rowell top scoring on 47, as John Hargreaves claimed five wickets. Ajmal Choudry 74no and Liam Roberts 45no saw the home side to an impressive win.

Bradley were restricted to 148-5 at home by Thornton. Neil Robinson made 38 and Smithson 34 as Brian Laycock took 4-40. The West Craven side had made 88-5 when stumps were drawn.

Newcomers to the division Denholme entertained Cowling and went down by six wickets. Batting first, the Bradford side posted 164, with Quirie and Cummings making 40 apiece. Keith Woodhead was the most successful bowler with 4-27. He followed this with 45 to go with Keder Korde's 80no as victory was achieved.

Last season's second division champions Haworth WE also suffered defeat, losing by seven wickets at home to Long Lee. The home side made 132-8 in their overs, with George Stubley scoring 31 and Andy Benson 30. For the Keighley side skipper Chris Taylor plundered 79no as they reached their target.