Woodlands bounce back to seal emphatic success

Former Congs off spinner Kez Ahmed took 5-24 as the last seven Congs wickets fell for 29 runs and they were all out for 130.

Woodlands’ new captain Tim Jackson (97) led from the front as his side made their highest total of the season.

An opening stand of 96 with Sam Frankland (36) was followed by a second-wicket partnership of 124 with Cumberland batsman Alex Atkinson (65) as Woodlands closed on 313-6, with Muhammad Saeed (4-72) pick of the Congs bowlers.

Congs captain Gareth Phillips (46) and Joe Greaves (31) were the only batsmen to threaten the dominance of the home bowlers.

East Bierley slipped to a fourth straight defeat as Farsley recorded their second victory of the season with a 12-run success at Red Lane.

Captain Dan Hodgson (78) and Greg Pickles (70) shared a third-wicket partnership of 150 which enabled Farsley to make 280-8 despite the efforts of left-arm spinner Luke Jarvis (5-101) and seamer Tauseif Arshad (3-70).

East Bierley made a spirited reply with their close-season signing Fahid Rehman again catching the eye.

He top scored with 93 and was joined in a second-wicket stand of 100 by former Yorkshire all-rounder Gavin Hamilton (45).

The experienced Mark Gill chipped in with 45, but Adam Ahmed (3-40) and Chris Henry (3-67) ensured that Farsley secured victory, which leaves Bierley second-bottom.