Pragam Sharma smashed a century for Almondbury Wesleyan as Huddersfield Cricket League made a late comeback

The Walker Timber Huddersfield Cricket League made a late comeback after a delayed start to the season due to wet spring weather – but three of their six Premiership games were abandoned.

Pragam Sharma smashed a century for Almondbury Wesleyan as the Moorlands champions crushed Broad Oak, the team who beat them in last year’s Sykes Cup final.

Scholes, meanwhile, made his title intentions clear with an 86-run demolition of visitors Kirkburton.

Almondbury Wesleyan v Shepley

In a thrilling encounter at Kaye Lane, Almondbury Wesleyan flexed their fresh muscles, posting a total of 254-8 in their allotted 50 overs against Shepley.

The highlight of their innings was an explosive century by Pragam Sharma who smashed 125 runs off just 113 deliveries including 14 fours and 6 sixes.

Former Shepley prodigy Josh Hoyle also made a significant contribution, adding an unbeaten 62 off 54 balls. For Shepley, Danny Glover and Sam Askey took two wickets each.

In reply, Shepley struggled to build partnerships and was eventually dismissed for 149 runs in 34.4 overs. Matt Henshaw was the pick of the bowlers for Almondbury Wesleyan, finishing with figures of 4-35.

New signing Mohammed Nabeel also made an impressive debut following his move from Holmfirth, claiming 3 wickets for 38 runs. Despite their best efforts, Shepley fell well short of their target, handing Almondbury Wesleyan a convincing 105-point win.

Broad Oak v Moorlands

Byrom Shield holders Moorlands traveled to Broad Oak and posted a competitive total of 198-8, anchored by solid contributions from Marcus Walmsley (37) and James Rawlinson (39). Their patient partnership on a total of 204 balls provided stability to their innings. Alex Slack was the outstanding bowler for Broad Oak, claiming 4-66.

In reply, Broad Oak struggled to build partnerships and were bundled out for just 96 runs. Jon Rudge and Andrew Brown, their new signing from Australia, both impressed with the ball, picking up three wickets each.

Harley Lodge top scored for Broad Oak with 31 runs. Despite their best efforts, Oak fell short, crashing to 96ao, giving reigning champions Moorlands an opening victory.

Scholes v. Kirkburton

At Chapelgate, Scholes made 160-9 against visitors Kirkburton. Ben Tighe and Wasim Javed played crucial roles to rebuild an innings in danger of faltering, putting on a vital 53-run partnership for the 9th wicket. Burton mainstays Tom Burkinshaw (3-28) and Andrew Smith (5-29) were the pick of the bowlers.

In reply, Kirkburton struggled against Scholes’ bowling attack and was bowled out for just 74 runs in 24.4 overs. Javed and Paul Nasser played the ball for Scholes, picking up three wickets each. Kirkburton’s innings never got going as they collapsed to 47-9 before being bowled out for a disappointing 74.

Premiership new boys Delph & Dobcross and Golcar never got the chance to take to the field with their games at home to Barkisland and away to Hoylandswaine lost to the weather. Skelmanthorpe (v. Honley) suffered the same fate.