Girlington Lead Cut to Two Points

The gap at the top of the Bradford Central League First Division was reduced to just two points yesterday when leaders Girlington survived a real scare at mid-table Thornbury in a fixture in which over 500 runs were amassed.

Batting first, Thornbury reached 287 for seven, thanks, in the main, to a seventh-wicket partnership of 146 between Waseem Ahmed, who hit an unbeaten 122, and Haleem Abdul (56).

Girlington, in reply, despite some consistent batting down the order from Tariq Mahmood and Irfan Kazi, who both hit 40s, were hanging on at stumps at 243 for nine to collect two points.

Second-in-the-table Apperley Bridge (114-6) did not have things all their own way when claiming a four- wicket win at Norwood Green, where earlier Umair Khan (7-25) reduced the home side from 59 for two to a modest total of 111.

Allerton (205-6, Craig Charlton 52) kept up their challenge on the top two with a comfortable four- wicket victory at Salem Athletic, who made 201 for seven.

Second Division leaders Thornbury (94-3) wrapped up another six points with a seven-wicket triumph at Girlington, who had mustered just 93.

Salem Athletic stay six points behind the leaders after racking up 321 for four at Allerton, with major contributions from both Mohammed Zaid and Yasir Shazad, who both hit 80s, Atif Khan chipping in with 51.

Allerton, despite half-centuries from Ansar Mehmood (56) and Vijay Chauhan (54), were finally dismissed for 174 (Abid Hussain 5-30).

Third-in-the-table Apperley Bridge (142) kept in touch at the top with a 34-run home win over Norwood Green, who were put out for 108.

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