Theakston Nidderdale League: Another twist in the Division One title race as Upper Wharfedale CC sink Killinghall CC

Having been knocked off top spot the weekend previous, long-time leaders Killinghall were beaten again – this time by Upper Wharfedale, who leapfrogged them into second place.

While Dan Atkinson’s team have struggled for consistency after making a flying to the season and winning each of their first seven matches, the Rams have been in much better form of late.

And they made it eight victories from nine outings when they chased down a first-innings score of 221/8 in 45 overs.

Not for the first time this season, overseas import Damon Malcolm was the star of the show, smashing 110 not out from only 103 deliveries to lead Wharfedale to a five-wicket success with 11 balls to spare.

Earlier, the Australian allrounder had taken 3-61 when Killinghall had their turn at the crease, Luke Haidar (94) narrowly missing out on a century of his own, while Tyler Evans hit 49.

That result leaves the Rams one point better off than their visitors in the league table, but 15 behind West Tanfield in pole position.

The men from the Sleningford Oval were far too good for struggling Ben Rhydding, blowing them away for just 67 thanks largely to some fine bowling by Jonny Luty (5-22).

Vincent Bush then made 32 not out as the leaders wasted no time wrapping things up, racing to 68/2 inside eight overs.

Goldsborough’s third win on the spin keeps them just about in contention as far as the battle for top spot is concerned.

The defending champions enjoyed the most comprehensive of 10-wicket triumphs over Walton Park after bowling them out for 134.

James Rawlings (46) and Duncan Spencer (38) scored the vast majority of those runs, while Mark Wood bagged 4-28 and James Wood claimed 3-18.

The same pair then combined to equally good effect with the bat in hand, Mark Wood making 64 not out and James Wood finishing undefeated on 49 as Goldsborough eased to 136/0 in 20.5 overs.

One place further back in fifth spot sit Helperby, who got the better of rock-bottom Knaresborough Forest.

Dan Spink (56 not out), Dan Marston (46) and Charlie Lawrence (38) all contributed as the visitors put 250/6 on the board.

Dan Morgan took four scalps for Forest, who then followed last Saturday’s maiden victory of 2026 with another positive batting performance.

Joe Stanley (38), Jack Martin (38) and Alistair Bradley (37) all chipped in as the basement boys pushed hard before eventually falling 17 runs short.

Charlie Lawrence was the pick of the Helperby attack, returning figures of 5-67.

Harrogate 3rds stay second from bottom of the pile following their seven-wicket reverse at the hands of ninth-placed Alne.

The Roosters posted 191 all out, Matt Ingham top-scoring with 63 while Daniel Hunt scooped 3-34 and Toby Stirke 3-42.

George Barker (80), Sam Lupton (40 not out) and Ryan Beaumont (34) then helped Alne to 195/3 in 33.4 overs.

Birstwith came out on top of their mid-table clash with Blubberhouses after dismissing the away side for 149.

Hamaad Hussain (36) was the only Blubbs batsman to make any real impression as Sam Ryan grabbed 3-22 before completing a fine afternoon’s work with a knock of 59.

Nick Wain (34) also did his bit to ensure that Birstwith got over the line with five wickets still remaining.