Theakston Nidderdale League: Newly-promoted Harrogate CC 3rds star on opening weekend

Rob Stanworth’s men finished last season as second division champions and picked up where they left off when they entertained Wath & Melmerby as the 2020 campaign finally got underway.

Sanjay Mani (113) and skipper Stanworth (107) both smashed centuries to put the home side in control, Barney Horberry later adding 33 not out in a total of 323/3.

Ben Kettlewell managed 45 as Wath replied, but the efforts of Charlie Holtham (4-41) and Alfie Weaver (3-25) meant that the visitors didn’t progress beyond 131 all out.

Division One’s other newly-promoted team, Blubberhouses, also made a statement with a nine-wicket triumph over Burton Leonard.

Umaid Sajjad bagged 3-22 to help get rid of the away club with just 84 runs to their name, then 31 not out from Luke Davis guided the hosts t0 85/1 and a maximum-point haul in 19 overs.

A devastating display of bowling by Joe Corner led Helperby to a comprehensive win on the road at Ouseburn.

The visiting all-rounder took five wickets at a cost of just seven runs in a 10-over spell which included six maidens.

Corner’s efforts played a big part in the home side being skittled for 40, 132 runs short of their victory target.

Earlier, Matt Cavanagh struck 43 not out and Dan Martson added 42 in Helperby’s 172/9.

Half-centuries from the bats of Simon Garvey (57) and Sam Abel (52) fired West Tanfield to a comfortable success at Goldsborough, last season’s Division One runners-up.

The pair’s expertise enabled Angus Shaw’s men to recover from 1/2 to post 186/9, Graham Shorter taking 4-21.

Gavid Hodson contributed 40 when Goldsborough responded, however a six-wicket haul for Shaw ensured that the hosts were sent packing on 116.

Ben Mountain was the star of the show for Pateley Bridge in their eight-wicket victory over Birstwith.

He snapped up 5-29 as George Hirst’s team were dismissed on 135, then hit 64 alongside George Rounthwaite (48) as the Badgers reached 139/2.

Reigning champions Darley made a winning start to their title defence, chasing down Kirk Deighton’s score of 113 all out with six wickets in hand.