SCHOLES are certainly blowing hot at the moment with their newly-promoted first team in second place in the Premiership, and their Second XI sitting at the top of Premiership Two.

Their latest outing brought them a 101-run win over Slaithwaite, with new signing Louis Sykes scoring an unbeaten 84 and putting on 91 for the second wicket with Adam Steers (49) as they totalled 217-3.

Sykes batted through hitting 10 fours and a six off 135 balls.

John Hey was the only man to offer much resistance with 40 as Richard Wimpenny and Tom Graham each took three wickets to wrap up a six-pointer for Scholes.

Barkisland, promoted last season, are also proving to be a force to be reckoned with and they kept pace with the leaders after beating Golcar with a big contribution from Jamie Colman who top-scored with 89, while Russell Holroyd made 87, before also taking four for 34 as the Swallow Lane side were dismissed for 197.

Another Holroyd, this time Richard, hit an unbeaten 96 as Meltham piled up 253-7 against Micklehurst, Holroyd getting good back-up from Chris Palmer (42) and Barry Shaw (39), before Robert Palmer (Chris’ younger brother) claimed three for 14 and young Jack Moulson two for 24 as Micklehurst were bowled out for 109.

Shepley coasted to an eight-wicket win at Marsden, Hugh Ellis making 50, while Kirkburton were easy winners at Elland, where the home side were shot out for 66, Rob Kettlewell showing he still hasn’t lost his touch with four for seven from 9.4 overs (six of which were maidens) and Gavin Smith taking three for 14.

Earlier, Burton had made 169-7 with several players in the runs, notably James Newsome (34no) and Josh Ardron (35), while Kais Hussain took five wickets in Elland’s losing cause.

In the Conferences, Hoylandswaine went down to Rastrick, veteran Colin Jowett making 44 not out at the top of the order, while Tom Booth’s 46 and Rob Kirk’s four for 19 were enough for Thongsbridge to prosper over Lepton.

Clayton West’s Dean Rickson scored the day’s only ton and with Alex Clegg (72) led the home side to 263-6 against Emley, who replied with 224.