Pontefract League: Askern Welfare and Hatfield Town make winning starts

David Longley starred for Askern in their win over Frickley.

Askern, who finished second in last year’s shortened competition, won by 50 runs at Frickley Colliery.

Ashley Towler (57) and David Longley (40) helped the visitors post 184-9 from their 46 overs.

Longley completed a man of the match display by taking 5-37 as Frickley replied with 134 all out.

Hatfield were 74-run winners at home to Hooton Pagnell. David Barrett anchored Town’s innings of 233-4 with an excellent knock of 74, while James Stewart made 51 not out and Ellis Pattison added 34.

Stewart then took the new ball and claimed 3-45 as the visitors were bowled out for 159.

Brodsworth Main lost by 191 runs at Kippax in Division Two.

Museji Bhoola made a majestic 120, Mahmadsoyeb Gheewala added 75 and Altaf Patel struck 54 not out as the hosts amassed a huge score of 357-5 from 46 overs. Owen Smith took 3-83 for Brodsworth.

Shell-shocked Main were bowled out for 166 in response, including a powerful knock from David Merryweather whose unbeaten 79 included nine fours and five sixes.

Barnby Dun and Fenwick started their Division Three campaigns with wins over Featherstone Town and Horbury Bridge respectively.

Henry Cutts claimed sensational figures of 7-15 from 12 overs in Barnby Dun’s tense two wicket victory.