Ossett stun Premier Division Cleckheaton in Priestley Cup

The Division One outfit have made a strong start to the new season and won a rain-affected contest by 29 runs in the Bradford League’s most prestigious cup competition.

Big-hitting batsman Sajith Warnakulasuriya played a big part in the victory as he smashed 76 from just 30 balls, hitting hit eight sixes and five fours.

Earlier in the innings Joe Finnigan hit 64 and Ossett were able to post a challenging 214 score from 30 overs.

Cleckheaton were set a Duckworth Lewis Stern target of 216 from 34 overs, but were restricted to 186-8.

Max Chappell took 3-25 as Cleckheaton lost wickets in search of quick runs.

In another first round tie there was a scare for Premier Division Wrenthorpe against a Division One side.

Lightcliffe reduced Wrenthorpe to 65-7 when chasing 100 to win before an unbroken eighth wicket partnership between Nikash Khan (23no) and Mustafa Bhatti (14no) calmed their nerves and saw them home.

Lightcliffe’s hopes of putting Wrenthorpe under pressure by posting a challenging total after choosing to bat first soon faltered as they were all out for 99 with Sam Wigglesworth claiming 4-17.

The draw for the second round of the Priestley Cup has paired Ossett with Wrenthorpe as they look for another Premier scalp.

In the only Jack Hampshire Cup tie, Altofts went out after a 60-run defeat to Rodley.

Robert Young and Dan Turbitt both made 63 and Louie Stronach (45) as Rodley made 228-6 before restricting their hosts to 168-4. Joe Plato (56no) and Adam Perry (53no) were the top scorers for Altofts.