A DREADFUL ‘summer’ Saturday saw all of the Halifax League’s scheduled matches called off due to the continuous band of heavy showers that drenched the area.

However, there was one exception, where new First Division leaders Great Horton Park Chapel were indebted to a Mirfield meteorological miracle, as they romped to a fantastic nine-wicket away victory.

That area was somehow spared from most of the downpours, allowing the clash between Upper Hopton and Great Horton to go ahead in a 31 overs per side encounter.

Great Horton won the toss and elected to field and soon had Hopton in trouble at 47-5.

Harry Cunningham (3-18) and Dominic Anderson (2-31) were both enjoying the overhead conditions, as five batsmen found themselves climbing the numerous dressing room steps from the oval very quickly.

Matt Broadbent (35) and Matthew Haigh (36 not out) staged a mini-recovery, putting on 58 runs for the sixth wicket, before Broadbent was bowled by Adam Beesley.

Haigh added some extra runs as the innings closed on 122-8 after 31 overs.

With Edward Kay claiming the scalp of opener Haris Butt, at 3-1, Hopton hopes were raised, but it was a false dawn.

Horton opener and wicketkeeper Ricky Hassall (47 not out) was joined by skipper Beesley (61 not out) and they completed the 11-point return in just 21 overs, after a fine unbeaten century partnership.

As the Horton players travelled back to Bradford, in the rain, they marvelled at the fact that they had even donned whites, never mind finding that they were now the division’s table-toppers.