Theakston Nidderdale League: Upper Wharfedale CC close in on Premier Division title

The Rams recorded their ninth consecutive victory at the weekend when they edged out Blubberhouses, meaning that they stay 11 points clear at the summit with just one round of fixtures remaining.

Callum Lockett and his men looked to be on course for another routine win having got rid of their visitors for 158, Dan Benson (6-31) producing a devastating spell of bowling.

Skipper Aamir Rehman (42) and Muhammad Qadeer (34) offered some lower-order resistance for mid-table Bubberhouses, who then roared back into the contest thanks to the efforts of Qadeer (3-15) and Abhishek Patil (3-33).

Wharfedale were in real trouble at 89/7, however allround ace Benson helped ensure that they scraped over the line and completed a one-wicket success.

Thus, the Rams know that they simply have to match or better the result of second-placed Killinghall this Saturday to ensure that they wrap up the title.

The only other side who still have a chance of finishing top of the pile cruised to a 74-run triumph on the road at Walton Park.

Luke Haidar (74) led the way for Killinghall, while Tyler Evans (42 not out) and Luke Atkinson (41) also contributed to a first-innings total of 245/4 in 45 overs.

Tom Hudson made 36 and Duncan Spencer added 33 when Park responded, but 3-32 from Scott Copley helped ensure that they did progress any further than 171 all out.

West Tanfield’s slim title hopes were extinguished by those wins for the top two, but they ensured that they will not finish any lower than third thanks to their 55-run victory at home to struggling Alne.

Alfie Spencer (49) top-scored as the hosts posted 192 all out, Ryan Allinson, Toby Stirke and Eddie Myers taking three wickets apiece.

Guy Smith (3-15) and Angus Shaw (3-36) then combined to help dismiss Alne on 137.

Defending champions Goldsborough will finish the season no higher than fourth despite demolishing Birstwith on the penultimate weekend.

Mark Wood hit 45 as the visitors raced to 179/4 in 22 overs before skittling their hosts for just 85.

James Wood impressed with the ball in hand, returning figures of 4-16.

At the other end of the division, Knaresborough Forest have it all to do on the final day of the season after they lost their must-win showdown with fellow strugglers Ben Rhydding.

Three straight victories had transformed Henry Ogilvie’s team from certainties for the drop to a side with real momentum, however they missed the chance to climb out of the bottom two and above their opponents when they went down by three wickets.

Top-order runs from Jack Martin (57) and Henry Hopkinson (46) steered Forest to 177/8 in 43 overs, Charles Isherwood claiming 4-34.

And Ben Rhydding were able to chase down that total as Mohsin Saghir and Chris Maunsell both struck 33.

Defeat leaves Forest 15 points adrift of safety heading into their last outing of the summer.

Rock-bottom Harrogate 3rds’ relegation was rubber-stamped by their four-wicket reverse at the hands of fifth-placed Helperby.

Roosters captain Matt Ingham led by example, smashing a fine 97 in a first-innings score of 211/8 in 45 overs.

But, Helperby were able to overhaul that total thanks to half-centuries from the bats of Jake Fletcher (71) and Dan Marston (59).

Harrogate’s Lucas Hill finished the contest with a haul of 4-13 to his name.