Cricket mourning David Smyth

FORMER Drakes League player David Smyth has died suddenly at the age of just 28 after a battle against cancer.After a short spell at Cumberworth, the South African from Bloemfontein spent two seasons with Scholes and was in their side which won the first ever T/20 Trophy competition in 2007.Married to Megan, from Hepworth, he has played for the last few years with Stainsby Hall CC in Derbyshire, where they have been flying the South African flag at half mast and where, at his funeral, they provided a guard of honour with bats raised.Full obituary – Tuesday.

Elland top billing

HULLEN EDGE hosts the top Drakes Premiership clash of today’s programme.That’s because fourth-placed Elland are visited by third-placed Honley, with both clubs desperate to run with Golcar in pursuit of leaders Shepley, who visit Scholes.Golcar are also on their travels, to Shelley, so there could be a fair bit of chopping and changing in the table if the weather allows, especially if Kirkburton can follow up their Sykes Cup win with a home victory against Hoylandswaine.

Tom resting up

KEEN scorecard watchers will have noticed that talented Tom Burkinshaw was missing from the Kirkburton team for their Drakes Premiership loss against Scholes and their Sykes Cup semi-final victory over Barkisland.Experienced Burkinshaw is suffering from a side strain which needs to be rested, but the good news for supporters at Riley Lane is that he is hoping to be back this week, firing on all cylinders.