Castleford end season on losing note against new champions

Castleford CC have finished in fifth place in the Yorkshire Premier League North after ending their season on a losing note against already confirmed champions Clifton Alliance.

After leading the way early in the season Castleford’s form has largely tailed off in the second half of the campaign and they went down by 78 runs to the table toppers who are worthy champions in 2026.

The outstanding Castleford CC second XI celebrate promotion and championship success, losing only one game all season. The regular winning line-up has been Rich Carter, Andy Lund, Tom Wragg, Nick Bresnan, Ryan Pearson, Ethan Rooke, Dan Green, Jenson Boucher, Ollie Mountain, Tristan Pearson and Ryan Turner. Picture: Castleford CC

placeholder image — The outstanding Castleford CC second XI celebrate promotion and championship success, losing only one game all season. The regular winning line-up has been Rich Carter, Andy Lund, Tom Wragg, Nick Bresnan, Ryan Pearson, Ethan Rooke, Dan Green, Jenson Boucher, Ollie Mountain, Tristan Pearson and Ryan Turner. Picture: Castleford CC

After electing to bat first Clifton made the most of the conditions as they posted a challenging 276-8 total.

Opener Tom Fraine led the way for them as he carried his bat to make an unbeaten 132 while Hayden Walsh did most to restrict them with 3-67 and there were two wickets each for David Wainwright and Matt Rees, who was in his last game for Cas before he relocates to London for work commitments.

Castleford lost Owen Smith and Ryan Pearson early in their reply, but stayed in touch with Luke Edwards hitting 45 and Brayden Clark 24 to reach 116-3.

Walsh contributed 25 and Tom Wragg (51) hit a battling half century from just 35 balls, but from 177-5 in the 29th over they collapsed to 198 all out.

Castleford seconds finished their fine season in fitting style with a 76-run win over Fairburn to finish 22 points clear at the top of the YPLN Division Two Ebor.

After choosing to bat first they made 202 as Harry Henson (60) and Dylan Tudge (51 from 41 balls) top scored.

Fairburn were then bowled out for 126 with Stephen Mowbray (56) top scoring and Thomas Wood (4-28) leading the Castleford attack.