Theakston Nidderdale League: Helperby CC bowlers blow Blubberhouses away

Joe Corner bagged 4-21, skipper Dan Marston 2-3 and Tom Wade 3-17 as the visiting side were skittled with only 51 on the board.

Corner’s rapid 41 not out from 42 deliveries then saw Marston’s men complete a 10-wicket win in just 11 overs.

Helperby’s third consecutive victory leaves them fourth in the table, but some way behind third-placed Darley, who extended their 100 per cent start to 2020 when they entertained West Tanfield.

Jim Grange (77), Rob Hainsworth (60 not out) and Gary Muff (56) saw the defending champions to 263/5, and although Sam Abel struck 45 in reply, the visitors fell well short in their run-chase, closing on 122.

Rob Nelson (4-29) was the pick of the Darley attack.

One point better off in second are Pateley Bridge, who were handed a maximum return when rock-bottom Wath & Melmerby were forced to concede another fixture.

Harrogate CC 3rds remain just a single point clear at the summit, registering a fifth triumph in as many outings on the road at Burton Leonard.

Jake Wilson (53) and Matthew Morton (46) led the hosts to 184, Rob Stanworth scooping 4-49.

It took the Roosters until the 43rd over to knock off the required runs, though Matthew Roberts (34) eventually got them over the line at 187/7 despite four wickets for Sam Crompton.

Tom Croston hit a half-century as Birstwith completed a relatively straightforward success over Kirk Deighton.

Croston (52), Craig Robinson (37) and Pete Hardisty (31 not out) were all in decent form with the willow in hand as the home side made it to 157/3 inside 30 overs.

Earlier, Michael Malthouse hit 58 of Deighton’s 156, George Hirst helping himself to four scalps.

Ouseburn stay second-from-bottom of the pile and are still without a win after they lost out to Goldsborough.

Mike Cockle took 6-14 to help restrict the strugglers to 159, Ben Jones hitting 47.

And the away team reached their target with four wickets in hand, Stewart Cummings (35 not out) finishing the job.