THE title race is really hotting up in the Arrow Central League’s Premiership with three clubs now separated by just one point.
The two front-runners, Cumberworth and Westborough, both crashed while Hoylandswaine’s four-wicket win over relegation-threatened Old Almondburians lifted them into joint top spot.
Cawthorne’s Darren Lindley was the man to rip through Cumberworth with six for 33 as the champions were shot out for 79, Liam Wiles making an unbeaten 22 in the seven-wicket win for Cawthorne.
Westborough, meanwhile, did not fare much better, although they still hold top spot, after they folded to 86 all out, although Azaad did lose eight wickets in knocking them off.
Ian Simon matched Lindley’s figures (6-33) as Almondburians tumbled to 83 all out before Ankur Sondhi (39) helped win it for Swaine.
Woolley are another side in danger of facing the drop this season and they failed to gain a point at Green Moor, where they were bowled out for 82 replying to Moor’s 165-7.
Andy Matthewman did the damage for Green Moor, as he sent down 4.4 overs, three of which were maidens, and claimed five wickets for just three runs.
Mirfield stayed at the top of Section A despite going down by five wickets to Higham as Chris Prior (six for 22) and Andy Danks (four for 26) sent the leaders back for just 49.
Both Edgerton & Dalton and Penistone kept up the pressure on the leaders as they both triumphed, Edgerton by 32 runs against Woodfield Park, while Penistone edged a one-wicket win against Heckmondwike and Carlinghow, Walmsley doing his bit with five for 49 and 58 with the bat.
Another man to feature strongly in his game was Steve Roebuck, who put in a fine all-round performance to help keep Denby on top of Section B.
Roebuck made 66 as Denby totalled 162-8 at Badger Hill’s Rastrick ground, and he then stepped in with four for 24 to help reduce the home side to 127 all out.
