AUSSIE batsman Hayden Jones made a fabulous start to life in the Huddersfield League when he cracked an unbeaten 140 on his debut for Cedar Court Conference club Armitage Bridge.

And Javed Iqbal junior made a more than welcome return to Holmfirth (he had previously had a short spell down the road at Thongsbridge), when he set down a marker for the best bowling return of the season when he skittled Lepton Highlanders with eight for 19 with his medium pace ‘leggies.’

The Armitage Bridge faithful were rubbing their hands in glee as Jones, who arrived in the UK a couple of days ago with his wife, strode out to face Linthwaite and put on 72 with Fida Hussain for the second wicket, and then a match-winning 162 for the third wicket with Danny Moorhouse, who also contributed an unbeaten 64 in the 267-2 tally.

Ten-man Linthwaite, who had got away to a good start last week, recovered from 57-4, but three wickets from Rick Lunn and a couple each for Carl Jump and Jordan Williamson sent the visitors back for 193 and secured maximum points.

Further down the Holme Valley, Holmfirth looked in big trouble after being shot out for 102 by Dale Winterbottom (five for 35) and Steve Brown (four for 17) after new signing Sam Denton, from Shepley, had made a crucial 44.

But Highlanders completely collapsed against Iqbal, with No11 Orrell Turner their only player to reach double figures as they were routed for 46.

Up in the Premiership, Elland’s new signings, the Wood brothers, made hay against Broad Oak, with Dan (the elder) getting his first ton (he missed it by one run last week), while brother Greg made 81 and Dominic Finn 61 as the Hullen Edge side made 304-6.

James Howson replied with a half-century, and there were useful scores from several other Oak batsmen, but none were able to go on to the big score that would have seen them challenge the visitors’ total as Chris Goulden claimed five for 74.

Despite missing three of their four-pronged bowling attack, Honley made it two wins out of two as they bowled out top flight new boys Shelley for 169, thanks to the ‘old stager’ Ritchie Howarth, who bowled throughout to claim five for 78. Second teamer Eddie Kaye weighed in with two for 32 and Max Joice again saw bowling action as only No9 Josh Scott impressed with a late 34.

Simon Kelly was an early victim, but Richard Jakeman hit 61 off 67 balls with 11 fours, and put on 84 with John Greaves (41) before Joice saw Honley home by six wickets with an unbeaten 47.

Graeme Simpson blasted nine fours and seven sixes in an unbeaten 101 as Delph & Dobcross beat Slaithwaite, John Morris adding 92 (17 fours) in the 266-7 total.

Ian Holt replied with 10 fours and two sixes for the visitors in his 63 before falling to a run out and there was little else to crow about as Aaron Lilley and Bilal Khiljee shared six wickets between them.

John Sadler made 71 as Hoylandswaine scored 263-6 at Scholes, who were never in the hunt while Golcar bagged their second win, beating Barkisland by 61 runs after Steve Whitwam (68) and Lee Baxter (35) had put on 84 for the first wicket, while spinner Gary Colman took five for 43 against his former teammates.

Whitwam then took four wickets, while there were three apiece for Jack McNamara and Will Hinchliffe as the visitors were skilfully bowled out for 201.

Kirkburton lost by 41 runs at home to Shepley, for whom Tim Rees (55) made a half-century with good contributions from Liam Wiles (41) and Huw Ellis (48), while Ryan Robinson rediscovered his bowling form with three for 45 from 13 overs.

But Robinson (29) was the only Burton batsman to hang around long enough as Danny Glover struck with four for 35, before No10 Oliver Davidson made a battling 27 not out at the tail.

There was controversy over at Skelmanthorpe, where the game was officially abandoned following a one-hour ‘hail break’ after which Marsden complained about the safety of the pitch, the result of which will no doubt be discussed at Executive.

Clayton West’s home game against Hall Bower in the Championship was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to a flooded field.

Luke Kenworthy top-scored with 69 as Meltham made 248-8, despite Mirza Mobeen bagging another five-wicket haul, but that was matched by Kundai Mhundwa as Almondbury were bowled out for 132.

Emley Clarence got the better of the two promoted clubs, beating Paddock.