Jonny Booth played a real captain’s part as he helped his Townville team to climb back up to second place in the Bradford Cricket League’s Premier Division with a victory over local rivals Methley.

After a surprise defeat to Jer Lane the previous week Booth and his men knew it was essential that they bounced back in their local derby and they did just that with a 70-run win in a high scoring contest full of good batting.

The captain hit his second century of the season as his side cashed in on winning the toss by posting a big 341-6 total.

Booth hit 101 from 121 balls, including two sixes and eight fours, and he shared an opening stand of 107 with Abdul Wahid (39) before adding 134 for the second wicket with Sanoj Darshika (64).

Townville's Jonny Booth celebrated hitting a century against Methley.

placeholder image — Townville's Jonny Booth celebrated hitting a century against Methley.

Jack Hughes weighed in with 33 not out and Kieran Collins 21 while Jake Smart (3-76) did most to restrict them.

Methley made a spirited reply as their batsmen also enjoyed conditions. Opener Taylor Cornall (51) helped them reach 89-1 and after a mini collapse Alex Cree took command in a knock of 68 from 72 balls.

Bailey Worcester then smashed 82 from only 50 deliveries, including six sixes and six fours, and at 221-5 with more than 10 overs remaining they were still in with a chance.

However, the task proved too tough in the end with Methley all out for 271 as Hughes claimed 5-74 and Matthew Lumb 3-72.

Division Two leaders Great Preston were made to work hard before overcoming Windhill & Daisy Hill by three wickets to stretch their advantage to 35 points at the top.

Simon McDermott's 51 and Sikander Mahmood's 44 helped Windhill post a competitive 203 with Willem Meintjes (4-59), Imran Patel (4-61) and Muhammad Shah taking the wickets.

Preston looked in danger of defeat when they were reduced to 59-5 in their reply, but Shah’s composed 48 and an unbeaten 55 from Amir Afsar steadied the innings.

A further stand of 80 between Afsar and James Gahan (32) took the table toppers close to their target and they got over the line with three wickets and nine balls to spare.

Streethouse lost out in a close contest with previously winless Gomersal.

It could have gone either way, but Gomersal held their nerve to win by two wickets.

Streethouse elected to bat first and were bowled out for 190 despite Dishane Rodrigo contributing 41, Jason Holmes making 35 and Stuart Ruddick 32.

Michael Bates then threatened to win the game for Streethouse with 4-45, but useful contributions throughout the order, led by Brandon Silverwood's 37 and Joe Shuttleworth's 30, saw Gomersal edge home with an over to spare.