Keighley 212-9

Bankfoot 125-6

KEIGHLEY hosted leaders Bankfoot in All Rounder Cricket Bradford Premier League Championship One knowing that a win could put them back on top of the table.

Winning the toss, Keighley captain Paul Quinlan elected to bat first on a wicket he knew would offer both batting and bowling potential.

He was left ruing this decision, though, as his top and middle order failed with several wickets falling in quick succession, leaving the hosts on just 39-7 with Bankfoot’s captain James Lee the early culprit with 4-26.

However, Quinlan (48 not out) himself took on the mantle of the fightback as the later order dug in and with the help of the Rogers brothers (James 20, Jack 14no) he was able to help his team post a fighting 121-9 off their allotted overs.

Bankfoot’s reply, though, was extremely steady with Hisan Ahmed (25) and Lee (25) going about their business with somewhat ease.

Despite their loss, Hamzah Iqbal (38) carried on the fight and put Bankfoot in an unassailable position; despite late wickets they managed to get over the line with six wickets down, condemning Keighley to a third-straight defeat and a win that cemented their own place at the top of the table.

Pick of the bowlers for Keighley was Quinlan (2-35) and Nathan Storton (2-18). They host Wakefield St Michaels this coming weekend in an attempt to get their season back on track.

Meanwhile, a much-weakened Keighley second team (containing four third-team players) travelled to Bankfoot last weekend.

Losing the toss, Alex Towler’s men were asked to bat first.

Their dodgy batting order again came under pressure throughout their innings with only Owen Narey (27) showing any real resistance as they capitulated for just 97 all out in the 27th over, wily old Nigel Hanson taking four for just 10 runs.

Given 63 overs to chase the runs down, Bankfoot's reply was extremely patient; however, despite good bowling from several Keighley players, the home side got over the line with just two wickets down, leaving the Lawkholme Laners rooted next to bottom and in need of a good run of wins. They make the long journey to Methley this coming weekend.