IT did not take long for Humayan Shahzad, who was only playing because Nathan Storton was injured, to announce his return for Keighley.

He took a magnificent 5-18 in 15 overs as they won by seven wickets at home to Bowling Old Lane in the only game to finish in All Rounder Cricket Bradford Premier League Championship Division Two.

The 19 points that Keighley gained was a reward for Lawkholme Lane groundsman Allan Birkett and his team, whose hard work enabled the match to start on time while other grounds were waterlogged.

Keighley, fielding six new faces compared to last season, won the toss and new skipper Paul Quinlan had no hesitation in asking the visitors to bat.

Shahzad, who has been at Ingrow St John's, swung the ball from his opening delivery, and James Rogers was equally frugal at the other end.

'Hami' Shahzad, who is second-team vice-captain, bowled Old Lane skipper Farakh Hussain in his first over, and the visitors found runs hard to come by.

Rogers took 2-15 from 10 overs, Quinlan 2-7 from four overs and new overseas amateur Abe Kenny 1-7 from five overs as Old Lane were castled for a mere 48 in 34 overs, with star batsmen Ahsan Butt putting up the only real resistance with 22.

In reply, the Lawkholme Laners patiently chased down the required total in 22 overs.

Afterwards Quinlan not only praised Shahzad but the whole team, whose fielding was excellent.

He also pointed out that the addition of new signings Richard Gould, Adam Greenwood, Max Davison and Shahzad have given Keighley a better balance of age and youth and that the buzz in the dressing room was fantastic.

On Saturday, Keighley are at Buttershaw St Paul’s.

Keighley’s second team did not travel to Azaad in their Championship Division Two match as it was called off the day before because of a waterlogged pitch.

They hope to get their season started this weekend at home to Great Preston.