The champions in three of Yorkshire’s four Premier Leagues were confirmed at the weekend, with the other race going down to the wire.
Appleby Frodingham, Castleford and Richmondshire were all popping the champagne corks.
Appleby Frodingham claimed their maiden Yorkshire Premier League South crown with a round to spare thanks to victory over second-placed Sheffield Collegiate on Saturday.
Castleford, who won back-to-back weekend games against Stamford Bridge on Saturday and Woodhouse Grange on Sunday, won the Yorkshire Premier League North title for the first time.
Richmondshire retained their North Yorkshire South Durham League title after a draw against closest challengers Barnard Castle on Monday.
In the Bradford League, the title race will go down to the final day on Saturday when reigning champions Woodlands, top by eight points, and Townville battle it out.
In YPL South on Saturday, Appleby Frodingham were set on their way by three wickets apiece for Joe Baker, Paul Hilton and Kieran Lindley as Collegiate, invited to bat, were rolled for only 94 inside 42 overs. Sam Hunt’s middle order 15 was their top score.
In reply, home captain Matthew Fowler opened and made a measured 27, while Jordan Cook top-scored with 29 not out and Jamar Ifill made 20 as glory was achieved by six wickets with 20 overs to spare.
In YPL North, Castleford tweeted news of their title success on Sunday, in between a Saturday win over Stamford Bridge and Monday’s victory against Woodhouse Grange.
Former Yorkshire all-rounder David Wainwright is their captain and could now return to Headingley on September 18 should Castleford make it through to the final of the Premier League play-offs to decide the county’s best club side.
On Saturday, they chased 192 to win by six wickets at Stamford Bridge.
Eddie Morrison claimed three wickets as Bridge were bowled out for 191, while Wainwright’s left-arm spin yielded 2-39 from 13 overs. Opening bowler Matthew Rees also struck twice.
In reply, opener Liam Hyde’s 71 off 104 balls was the chief architect of a chase achieved with nine balls to spare.
On Monday, Rees claimed a superb 5-26 from 10 overs as Woodhouse Grange were bowled out for 56 inside 25 overs in the face of Castleford’s 150 all out.
Also on Monday, Richmondshire knew a draw would be good enough to seal the title against second-placed Barnard Castle, hence the reason why they finished on 171-6 from 50 overs in pursuit of 176.
Richmondshire cannot qualify for the Premier League finals, which starts with semis on September 11, given they are a Durham based side. Marton are the top ranked Yorkshire side in the division.
In the Bradford League on Saturday, Woodlands and Townville both won their matches against Morley and New Farnley respectively, leaving the gap at eight points with 20 to play for.
Woodlands travel to New Farnley this coming Saturday, while Townville are away at bottom of the league Batley.
But that is only half the story.
In securing a victory over Morley, Mohammad Bilal struck a stunning 37-ball century for defending champions Woodland – a league record, beating the previous quickest of 39 balls set only last month by Farakh Hussain of Division Two side Jer Lane.
Woodlands racked up 345-4 from their 50 overs, sensational Bilal finishing 101 not out with 13 sixes to boost a total set up by 83 for Liam Collins and 51 not out for Cieran Garner.
In reply, Kez Ahmed claimed four wickets as Morley made 204-8 in 50 overs.
A 131-run win for hosts Woodlands was matched exactly by Townville in their home match against New Farnley, who were 168 all out chasing 299.
Townville’s 298-8 included Harry Warwick’s superb 112 off 113 balls from number three before Jack Hughes claimed 5-35 from 12.3 overs in defence alongside four wickets for Conor Harvey.
On Sunday, Townville and New Farnley met in the Priestley Cup final, the latter gaining immediate revenge with a 34-run win. Former Yorkshire spinner Mark Lawson claimed six wickets and the player of the match award.
???? Yorkshire Cricket Honours Board – Week 2?0?
Congratulations to everyone who has taken wickets over the last week ????
Here's a look at the best bowling performances ???? #OneRose pic.twitter.com/69TJrdR2pk— Yorkshire CCC (@YorkshireCCC) September 3, 2021
????? Yorkshire Cricket Honours Board – Week 2?0?
Congratulations to everyone who has scored runs over the last week ????
Here's a look at the best batting performances ???? #OneRose pic.twitter.com/D4n5OXIM2d— Yorkshire CCC (@YorkshireCCC) September 3, 2021
