Isaac Light and Craig Broadley shine as Harrogate CC 1st XI demolish Beverley Town CC
Isaac Light and Craig Broadley were the stars of the show as Harrogate CC’s 1st XI demolished Beverley Town on Saturday afternoon.
Following back-to-back Yorkshire Premier League North Premier Division defeats, the Roosters returned to form in some style as they emerged victorious by a huge 295-run margin.
Having been asked to bat first, the visitors took full control of the contest thanks to Light, who smashed 22 fours and 10 sixes in an incredible knock of 190, which came from just 89 deliveries.
Harry Allinson (75) and Arjun Ramkumar (47) also contributed to a mammoth first-innings total of 398/5 in 50 overs.
Paceman Broadley then set about getting rid of Beverley in quick time, snapping up a superb haul of 7-31 as the home side were skittled for only 103.
That result lifts Harrogate one place to fifth in the league table, where they now sit three places better off than Knaresborough.
The men from Aspin Lane suffered another frustrating afternoon as they were turned over by relegation-threatened Carlton Towers.
Will Wade (50), captain Greg Pickles (40) and Pathum Pawaluge (40) all chipped in as the hosts posted 202 all out.
But, struggling Towers cruised to 208/3 and a seven-wicket success with more than 11 overs to spare.
In Premier Division Two, Sessay ended a run of three straight losses and forced their way back into the top two courtesy of their 49-run triumph over fellow promotion hopefuls Sheriff Hutton Bridge 2nds.
Sri Lankan batsman Ayana Siriwardhana (147) smashed a fine century, while Joe Watson added 39 as the Thirsk outfit powered to 324/8 in 50 overs.
Watson then completed a good afternoon’s work by bagging three of the wickets to fall as Sheriff Hutton were dismissed on 275.
Sixth-placed Harrogate 2nds were beaten for the third Saturday in succession, at home to Welton.
Ash Griffin top-scored with 32 as the Roosters were knocked over for just 139 having elected to have a bat.
The away team then knocked off the required runs in 26 overs for the loss of only three of their batsmen.
Championship West leaders Beckwithshaw chalked up a sixth straight victory when they got the better of Thirsk.
Oliver Hotchkiss hit 49 to steer the Stags to 219 all out before Ben Holderness (4-61) and John Inglis (3-47) combined to get rid of the visitors for 196.
Studley Royal remain just two points off top spot in third place after their comprehensive 136-run win at home to Bilton In Ainsty.
Jordy Frew (92), skipper Rob Nicholson (50) and Leo Wilson (49) were all amongst the runs as the hosts put 256/5 on the board in 50 overs.
Matt Coad (4-38) and Dan Craven (3-5) then did the damage as the Frogs were sent back to the pavilion with only 120 runs to their name.
Fourth-placed Arthington recorded an 86-run success over second-from-bottom Sessay 2nds having reached 337 all out.
In-form Satyawan Himanshu (145) struck his second ton in as many matches, while Sourav Chandolia (62), Syed Javed Hussain (57 not out) and captain Naveed Andrabi (44) also did their bit with the willow in hand.
Luke Burnett (4-56) and Lee Margerison (3-63) were the pick of the Sessay attack, then Ferdinand Rex (96) and Dave Johnson (50) got their response off to a strong start.
But, they were all out for 251 in the end.
Mid-table Knaresborough 2nds had to ensure a tough afternoon when they travelled to title-chasing Colton Institute.
After the home side racked up 355/8 in 50 overs, Tom Baines’ troops were blown away for just 88.