Champions Leeds Sikh A celebrate in the sunshine (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Dales Council League champions Leeds Sikh A celebrate in the sunshine

6:10pm Sunday 9th September 2012 in Sport By Philip Robinson

After many a wet Saturday, the summer belatedly arrived yesterday in the Dales Council League, and with it came an abundance of runs, with Division A champions Leeds Sikh leading the way.

They made 274-8 at Hepworth & Idle, with skipper Ragu Chandrasekeran hitting 58, ably assisted by Sayed Sahid (43) and Muneeb Ali (42).

In reply, the Westfield Lane side were not far behind in the run chase with youngster Kevin McDermott (46), Glen Pinkney (39) and Tim Shackleton (31) well to the fore as the hosts were finally dismissed for a highly creditable 237 (Hari Seehra 5-55).

Another exciting encounter occurred at Shipley Providence, where Apperley Bridge were visiting.

Prov rattled up 266-6, with Humure Amjad hitting 91 and being well supported by Tom Hawksworth (61).

Bridge, despite the best efforts of an unbeaten 80 by Mohammed Kurshid, came up just short to finish at 259-9.

New Wortley (103-7) finished their season and confirmed their place as runners-up to Leeds Sikh after completing a three-wicket win over local rivals Hyde Park (102, Farhan Saeed 5-36, Shazad Mehmood 4-25).

Relegated Crompark (186) recorded a 61-run success at Baildon (125), where Sam Boyden (4-20) and Dan Dickens (4-40) shared eight wickets for the visitors.

In the final fixture, Savile Stars (148) got back to winning way with a 63-run victory at home to Hawksworth, who were dismissed for just 85.

Despite not playing, Division B champions elect Apperley Bridge require just eight points from their two remaining games to take the title.

Meanwhile, in the Tong derby, 'visitors' Tong Manor (184-1) handed out a nine-wicket hammering of neighbours Farnley Hill (182, Chris Sowden 68, Andrew Keegan 5-42) in a game that saw the prolific Steve Phillips claim another century (102) and Darren Holmes hit an unbeaten 64 in a resounding win to take Manor to promotion and Division A.

In Division C, Tong Park Esholt require just five points their final game next weekend to lift the championship.

This follows the surprise defeat of nearest challengers Undercliffe (83), who went down by 80 runs at home to Savile Stars B (163-9).