THE SIGHS of relief in the Low Moor Holy Trinity clubhouse could be heard all over Bradford as they eventually staggered over the promotion line that had seemed a certainty in Halifax League Division Two six weeks ago.

Outlane were the visitors, who never found a real batting groove, six batsmen failing to hit double figures, in a score of 165-9.

Masood Zaman took 6-59 and completed a fine all-round display with 74 to ensure the promotion party could begin as Trinity cruised to 169-3 to join Luddendenfoot in Division One next season, the latter needing just two points on Saturday to be crowned champions.

Bradford neighbours Clayton still have an outside chance of going up from Division One with one game to go.

The third-placed team remain in the promotion battle, just, courtesy of a six-wicket win at home to Great Horton PC. The visitors struggled to 166-9 as no batsman really looked comfortable, two scores in the thirties the best on offer.

Clayton were also in problems at 40-4 but that was the end of any wicket taking as Tim Evans (67 not out) and Connor Ambler (66 not out) combined in an unbroken fifth-wicket stand of 127 runs to ensure an 11 points win.

That leaves Clayton 10 points behind Bradshaw - who need three points for promotion at home to Bridgeholme - with the Bradford side travelling to already-promoted Blackley on Saturday.

Back in Division Two, Augustinians won their second match of the season in defeating Cullingworth – but only narrowly by two runs.

The Rastrick team were indebted to Muhammad Arshad (72) and Aaqid Akram (53) in scoring the majority of their173 all out, Steve Welsh taking 4-19.

Despite having a bonus 47 overs to reach the target, and losing only five wickets, some tight Augustinian bowling never let their visitors score freely and an outstanding spell of 14-7-15-1, from Abdul Hafeez, ensured the home win.

In the mid-table match at Queensbury, visitors Leymoor were inserted and scored 176 all out, the two top efforts coming from Eddie Raw (49) and Pierce Walker (42), the introduction of third change bowler Oliver Challis (5-42) curtailing any late run surge.

The home team were always ahead of the clock in their reply and, with opener Joseph Clough (45) setting the pace, eventually won by three wickets with three overs to spare.