Theakston Nidderdale League: Thrilling finale sees Birstwith CC knock Helperby off the top

Jon Millward’s half-century helped Birstwith CC complete a final-ball victory overHelperby in Division One of the Theakston Nidderdale League. Picture: Gerard Binks

Dan Marston’s side came into Saturday’s fixture having won all four of their previous completed fixtures, but were unable to defend a total of 243/7 from 50 overs.

Luis Rees-Hughes was the mainstay of the visitors’ innings, striking a fine 83 alongside Jake Fletcher, who managed 46.

Sam Ryan bagged four wickets for Birstwith before their batsmen set about completing a thrilling run-chase that went right down to the wire.

Openers Craig Robinson (49) and Tom Croston (36) put on 55 for the first wicket, then Pete Hardisty (70) and Jon Millward (60 not out) took over, the latter deciding the outcome of the contest from the very last ball of the afternoon.

Victory leaves Birstwith third in the table, while Helperby drop to second, nine points behind new leaders Darley.

Duncan Naylor’s men saw off Ouseburn, with the in-form Jordan King once again proving to be the star of the show.

Having hit an unbeaten century against Kirk Deighton last time out, he smashed 121 not out on this occasion, a knock which included 20 fours.

Joe Furniss added 50 not out as Darley reached 213/3 to complete a seven-wicket win.

Earlier, John Moorehouse made 74 of Ouseburn’s 211/9, all-rounder Furniss taking four scalps.

Fourth-placed Pateley Bridge lost ground after a narrow loss at Kirk Deighton.

Henry Blythe’s excellent 126 not out led the hosts to 262/5, Will Powell chipping in with 40 as Tom Hardcastle claimed 3-45.

Tom Fryer scored 77 in response, though the Badgers did not progress any further than 249, thanks in part to some superb bowling by Richard Ward, who finished up with 4-16 from 12 miserly overs.

Blubberhouses registered their maiden win of the campaign at the seventh time of asking when they sank fellow strugglers Harrogate 3rds .

Lee Platts (60), Mark McEneaney (49) and Bash Khan (49) saw the home team to 274/6 batting first.

Brian Fenwick (54) and Rob Stanworth (49) kept the Roosters in the contest, however they were eventually all out for 215.

Harry Lamb hit 34 of West Tanfield’s 184/7 as they chased down Burton Leonard, who had posted 183 all out.

Matthew Rangeley made 44 of those runs, while Juvan Gericke claimed 3-42.

Kieran Bramley grabbed 4-35 and Craig Broadley 3-18 as Masham knocked Goldsborough over for 129, Damon Ive contributing 37.

An unbeaten 34 from Broadley then helped seal a four-wicket success for the hosts.