SPENSER Wilson Halifax League Premier Division champions Jer Lane were made to work hard for their 11 points at home to Northowram Hedge Top.

An opening stand of 165 runs between Wayne Cotton (90) and Andrew Pinfield (71) put third-placed Jer well on the way to victory as they totalled 249-6, and when the visitors stood at 111-7 the match looked all over.

However, in a fine rearguard stand, Thomas Clee (91) and Taylor Swaine (36no) added 97 for the eighth wicket in their 209-8.

Meanwhile, home team Thornton’s chase of Triangle’s 227-9 (Joshua Hutchinson 4-77) fell just nine runs short (218-9) as Ryan Brooksbank’s top score of 82 was just not enough.

Josh Tetley led the way with 77 as he steered Division One leaders Oxenhope to a total that proved just beyond Southowram.

Jim Bailey (43), Jack Barker (34), Nathan Storton (25) and Grahame Ellis (21) backed up opener Tetley as the hosts were all out for 232.

Southowram made a decent start in reply, with double-figure scores coming from all their top six batsmen but they were slowed by some excellent death bowling and finished on 226-9.

Liam Dyson was once again the pick of the Oxenhope attack, backed up by Tetley (3-35), as he bowled through to finish with 4-101 from 23 overs.

Old Crossleyans endured another forgettable afternoon, with hosts Great Horton Park Chapel posting a useful 238-6, with unlucky opener Amaar Syed being stranded on 98 not out, No 9 Chris Brown hitting an entertaining 64 not out.

Crocs easily capitulated, being dismissed for 71, with Matthew Jordan returning superb figures of 9-4-10-6. Bridgeholme returned to winning ways with an easy win at bottom team Low Moor HT, only Robert Dowling (35) making any impression.

At 84-6 Stones, in their home match against Queensbury, looked like their tea ladies were going to have to serve early.

However No 6 Joe Ackroyd hit a swashbuckling 128 (nine sixes, 11 fours) to set the visitors a target of 228, which they duly achieved via Tom Watson (67), Azhar Sharif (62) and Jamie Priestley (49).

Denholme Clough are top of Division Two after scheduled opponents Greetland conceded their fixture.

Cullingworth are second place following a five-wicket win at Clayton.

Steve Welch (60) led the way as the visitors overcame the Bradford side’s 192-7, despite 3-62 from Nick Bickers.

Phil Poole (2-52) and Chris Welch (2-57) weighed in with wickets for Cullingworth as John Jonas made 47 not out for Clayton.

Bradshaw were six-wickets winners at Shelf, thanks to splendid efforts from Aaron Buckley (5-84) and Dean Cotton (60).