NEW ZEALANDER Brad Schmulian produced an outstanding all-round display to propel Premier Division leaders Woodlands to an emphatic eight-wicket win over Cleckheaton.

Schmulian took 7-33 with his leg spin and followed up with an unbeaten 64 as his side breezed past their All Rounder Bradford Premier League near-neighbours’ score of 140 in just 23.5 overs.

His performance indicated that Woodlands have an overseas player of real pedigree who is making a huge contribution in their push for honours.

Former Cleckheaton opener Tim Jackson (48) joined Schmulian in a second-wicket partnership of 113, which propelled their side to victory.

Cleckheaton, who chose to bat first after winning the toss, lost their last seven wickets for just 12 runs after opener Azeem Rafiq (53) and John Wood (32) had been dismissed.

Woodlands are now 35 points ahead of Hanging Heaton, who recorded a 57-run win at second-bottom Undercliffe.

A second-wicket stand of 140 between skipper Gary Fellows (78) and Joe Fraser (62) was built on by former Undercliffe batsman Callum Geldart (75 not out) and Ishmail Dawood (36) as the visitors posted a total of 296-5.

A first Premier Division half-century from Farrouk Alam (81no) and another good knock from Simon Lambert (50) ensured Undercliffe had the consolation of bagging maximum batting points as they finished on 239-6.

Pudsey St Lawrence have 114 points and are three adrift of Hanging Heaton after their narrow 10-run win over lowly Wrenthorpe.

Opener Mark Robertshaw (66), Charlie Best (56) and Harry Cullingford (35) helped St Lawrence to 234-7 when they batted first. Former Pudsey Congs player Jonathan Donnelly (3-44) was the best of the Wrenthorpe bowlers.

Luke Patel (57) led the spirited Wrenthorpe reply which included useful contributions from Will Bates (42) and James Glynn (35).

Leg spinner Archie Scott was again the most successful member of the St Lawrence attack with 4-61 while Richie Lamb took 3-36.

Bradford & Bingley and Farsley are level on 104 points after both recorded wins. Bradford & Bingley were made to work hard for their four-wicket victory over Townville in a low-scoring encounter, while Farsley continued their good form with a 29-run success against struggling New Farnley.

The batsmen found runs hard to come by at Wagon Lane where visitors Townville were bowled out for 117. Opening bowler Bailey Wightman (3-32) made the early breakthroughs before left-arm spinner Bradley Reeve capitalised on his good work with 5-41. Only Richie Bresnan (36) threatened to break the dominance of the bowlers.

Bradford & Bingley looked to be coasting to victory as Yorkshire batsman Harry Brook raced to 51, before being stumped off spinner Jack Hughes (3-32).

After Brook’s departure Bradford & Bingley slipped to 70-5 and needed a patient innings from Ed Brown (37) to get over the line.

The Yorkshire pair of James Logan and Josh Poysden were key figures for Farsley as they inflicted a fourth defeat of the season on New Farnley, who are only six points above the relegation positions.

Logan top scored with 74 as he helped his side to a total of 175-9 after they opted to bat first at Red Lane. Left-arm spinner Luke Jarvis continued his good form with 4-28 while debut-making Charlie Parker picked up 3-37.

Former Farsley batsman Dan Hodgson dominated the New Farnley reply with a determined innings of 80, but he lacked support as his side were bowled out for 146. Leg spinner Josh Poysden posed the main threat with 4-42.

Lightcliffe are up to sixth after defeating Methley by three wickets in a tight encounter. Overseas player Suleman Khan (48no) steered his side home as they passed Methley’s total of 210-9 with eight balls to spare.

Opener Alex Stead (42) was the other key contributor as Lightcliffe recorded their third win of the campaign and inflicted more pain their bottom-of-the-table rivals.

Methley still haven’t won a league game this season and are 20 points adrift of Undercliffe after their latest loss.

There was at least the pleasing sight of fit-again Yorkshire all-rounder Matthew Waite back in action and he marked his return with his side’s top score of 64.

The experienced duo of Rob Burton (4-34) and Khan (3-50) were the key bowlers for Lightcliffe, while Grant Soames (3-42) had the most success for Methley.