WAS Holmfirth's season set to crumble?

That was the hot topic of debate in Huddersfield Cricket League circles after the Holme Valley side, who had done the double for two seasons running, crashed out of the Sykes Cup, then suffered a first outright Section A defeat of the campaign.

Old rivals Elland had the better of them in the cup in a second-round tie which had to completed in midweek after home side Holmfirth had made 175-6 on a rain-interrupted first day.

Elland started the evening play on 17 without loss, and lost wickets at 26, 36 and 54, giving Holmfirth fans the belief their side were getting the upper hand.

But Bob Holroyd and Gordon Scott had other ideas, coming together to add 95 in 50 minutes and steer Elland towards a six-wicket win.

Holroyd had already embarked on a studied assault of the Holmfirth bowlers, and Scott took advantage of some sketchy fielding as he rapped out the runs to reach his 50 first.

Holmfirth pro Mike Bocarro took all four wickets to fall for 58 runs, his last victim being Scott for 51, with the total 149.

Colin Jowett helped Holroyd (56 not out) complete the victory, giving Elland revenge for their previous year's final defeat.

Kirkheaton had the distinction of being the first side to take all four points against Holmfirth in the league.

Another dismal display in the field contributed to Holmfirth's problems at Bankfield, where Yetton totted up 153-8, 62 of which came from Ian Calvert, who hit a six and eight fours.

Holmfirth's batting was also slipshod, so much so that nine wickets tumbled for only 45.

Tony Carruthers did his best to pep things up with a knock of 35, but he fell victim to Ian Shackleton, who took five for 34, and Holmfirth were all out for 82.

Elland followed up their cup success with a three-wicket win at high-flying Meltham.

Holroyd scored 57 and Scott 30 as the home side's 145-8 was overhauled.

The day's best batting display came in Section B, with Chris Fearns slamming an unbeaten 102 for Thongsbridge against Linthwaite, who were beaten by 72 runs.

Fearns' effort, which was the seventh century of the league season, contained 15 fours.

Thongsbridge pro John Shaw chipped in with 79 (one six and 11 fours) as victory moved his side into a useful third place behind Slaithwaite and Primrose Hill.

Both those two lost, leaders Slaithwaite by seven wickets at home to Hall Bower, and Primrose Hill by 66 runs at home to Honley, for whom Johnny Lawrence took five for 22.