Theakston Nidderdale League: Pateley Bridge CC sink defending champions on way to the top

Something had to give at the top of Theakston Nidderdale League Division One during round six of the 2020 season.
Bash Khan hit an unbeaten half-century for Blubberhouses in their victory over Ouseburn. Picture: Caught Light PhotographyBash Khan hit an unbeaten half-century for Blubberhouses in their victory over Ouseburn. Picture: Caught Light Photography
Bash Khan hit an unbeaten half-century for Blubberhouses in their victory over Ouseburn. Picture: Caught Light Photography

Three sides headed into the weekend with 100 per cent records still in tact, and with almost nothing between them at the summit.

But, Pateley Bridge’s victory over defending champions Darley means that they have taken over pole position and now sit nine points clear.

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Joe Preece was the architect of the Badgers’ success, snapping up 6-24 to help get rid of the 2019 title-winners with just 88 on the board.

Rob Nelson struck 33 of those runs and then bagged a couple of wickets when Bridge replied, but his efforts proved to be in vain as the home team recorded a five-wicket success.

Preece was once again their star performer, hitting 43 not out.

Second-placed Harrogate 3rds were denied the opportunity to make it six wins from six and keep pace with Bridge when their fixture at Birstwith was cancelled.

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Helperby won for the fourth weekend in succession to move within one victory of third-placed Darley.

Dan Marston’s men looked in trouble after being bowled out for just 118 at West Tanfield despite Oliver Saxby’s knock of 49.

Angus Shaw took 3-25 to help the hosts into a position of strength at the halfway stage of the contest, though their batsmen were unable to finish the job.

They eventually ran out of deliveries on 115/9 as Luis Rees-Hughes (4-42) and Marston (3-14) performed superbly with ball in hand.

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A half-century from Gavin Mills paved the way for Kirk Deighton’s return to winning ways at Goldsborough.

The opener’s knock of 70 guided the visitors to 220/5, Jon Watkins also weighing in with 57 not out.

Damon Ive made a fine unbeaten 83 in response, however a five-wicket haul for all-rounder Watkins ensured that Goldsborough did not progress beyond 165.

Elsewhere, Blubberhouses chased down struggling Ouseburn’s first-innings total of 182/8.

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Will Haines smashed a stunning 109 not out, while Bash Khan struck an unbeaten 63.

Earlier, the ever-reliable Ben Mackril had hit 61 alongside Ben Jones (44) as Mark McEneaney grabbed 5-49.

Wath & Melmerby conceded their fixture with Burton Leonard.