Reg Nelson previews the Heavy Woollen Cup second round

The Solly Sports Heavy Woollen Cup Second Round features seven Bradford Premier League clubs this weekend (13.00pm). Unfortunately, six of the clubs clash which will negate the league’s progress towards the quarter-finals.

Bradford & Bingley v New Farnley
For the second successive round, the holders New Farnley have been matched with one of their fellow Bradford Premier League clubs. In the last round they beat Farsley after new overseas man Cam Fletcher impressed with 50 on a slow track, and now they go to Wagon Lane to face Bradford & Bingley.

New Farnley might have defeated the Wagon Laners last season in the same trophy, but they will not be happy at facing them again after the way they disposed of Methley.

Bingley’s left arm spinner Bradley Reeve produced the round’s best bowling figures of 7-35 as Methley were bowled out for 145 to lose by 51 runs.

Townville v Ossett
In another all-Bradford Premier League clash, Townville will be aiming again for that elusive trophy they have come so close to winning.

In the previous round, Townville made 239 in their 94-run win over Broad Oak. Conor Harvey was in his characteristic best batting form smashing five sixes and three fours in an entertaining 54 from 34 balls.

Ossett will be no walkover judging how they eclipsed a good Kirkburton side. James Wade (3-20) and Junaid Khan (3-25) were the danger men with the ball as Ossett bowled out Kirkburton for 94 before coasting to a seven-wicket win.

Woodlands v Pudsey Congs
In the third all-Bradford Premier League game, old protagonists Woodlands and Pudsey Congs clash at Albert Terrace.

Woodlands were ruthless in disposing of the ECB Yorkshire Cricket Southern Premier League outfit Wakefield Thornes in the First Round.

They batted the Thornes out of the match after scoring 240-6 with Tom Clee (above, 62), Tim Jackson (52), Brad Schmulian (42) and Liam Collins (41) the pick of the batters. Schmulian took 4-11 as the Thornes were dismissed for 111 to lose by 129 runs.

Congs had an almighty struggle to beat Birstall, but in a `backs against the wall’ display won by 32 runs. They only scored 102 but it proved to be enough as Sabir Mahmood (4-12), Ryan Heptinstall (3-12) and Callum Oliver (3-11) bowled out Birstall for 70.

Hoylandswaine v Cawthorne
Hoylandswaine have made an impressive start to the tournament, defeating top Huddersfield League side Honley by nine-wickets with Asif Iqbal (66no) and Duncan Brown (50no) sharing an unbroken stand of 123. This can only enforce their `one of the favourites’ tag.

Barnsley Woolley Miners v Barkisland
Barnsley have also emerged as one of the favourites after their breath-taking victory over the 2021 Yorkshire Premier League Play-Off winners Castleford.

When Barnsley were shot out for 117, Castleford were coasting in their reply. However, they somehow managed to lose their eight wickets for just 27 to be dismissed for 85. The jubilant Barnsley faithful were quick to acknowledge Ali Jahangir as their hero, as he took 4-12.

Barnsley’s opponents Barkisland will be no pushovers. They brushed aside Spen Victoria in the last round as Cameron Von Rensburg (3-18) helped to set up an eight-wicket win.

Scholes (Huddersfield League) v Shelley
Scholes had a fight on their hands in the last round, and just prevailed by two wickets against Aire-Wharfedale opponents Burley. When Wasim Javed (4-21) and Vassar Imtiaz (3-16) helped dismiss Burley for 92 it should have been plain sailing, but they struggled to get over the line.

Their opponents in this round are Shelley who had no trouble in defeating South Kirkby Colliery by 10 wickets after bowling the Pontefract League side out for 75.

New Rover v Beckwithshaw
New Rover had an exhilarating 194-run win over Gomersal in the last round with their new overseas player Jason King making a sparkling 186 not out.

Beckwithshaw will doubtless give New Rover a sterner task this weekend after achieving a DLS target in beating Otley. Hector Hamill made a very telling unbeaten 72 in their triumph.

Undercliffe v Moorlands- to be played at a later date

ROUND TWO
Scholes v Shelley
New Rover v Beckwithshaw (to be played Bank Holiday Monday)
Townville v Ossett
Woodlands v Pudsey Congs
Hoylandswaine v Cawthorne or Sandal
Barnsley Woolley Miners v Barkisland
Bradford & Bingley v New Farnley