SKELMANTHORPE gained some consolation for their early exit from this season’s Romida Sykes Cup competition with a big win the following day in the first round of the Heavy Woollen Cup.

Having lost by a single wicket to Golcar, despite only making 96 when batting first, they entertained Halifax League side Jer Lane the following day and ran up a massive 348-6.

New Aussie signing Chris Hansberry made an unbeaten 110 in only his second innings (Skelmanthorpe’s first two games were both rained off), while he found good support from Louis Aspeling (66), Tim Sykes (63) and Alex Scholefield 49).

Josh Ingham then had Jer Lane in a spin with five for 13, while Pete Lombard picked up four for 21 as the visitors were shot out for 87, making Skelmanthorpe the first team to book a spot in the second round.

The Lidgett Lane club had an added bonus, when their Seconds (surprisingly dumped out of the Paddock Shield by Paddock) had an equally emphatic win over Jer Lane Seconds, Jack Greene taking six for 21 to knock the Halifax side over for just 53.

The majority of Heavy Woollen Cup first round ties are being played tomorrow, when Shepley entertain Gomersal in a repeat of last year’s final.

Other home ties for cricket watchers to look out for include Slaithwaite at home to Liversedge, Clayton West at home to Woodlands and Scholes playing host to Buttershaw St Paul’s.

If all the games are completed this weekend, then the second round games have been provisionally arranged for the third round date, Sunday, June 10.