Mellor magic rescues 1st XI

The 2nd XI player hit an unbeaten 55 and Ben Clarke took six wickets in a 75 run win over neighbours Bradshaw

A combination of a remarkable tail order fight back, good bowling and catching and a dose of luck with the weather saw Illingworth maintain their top spot with a full 12 point win at local rivals Bradshaw.

A series of injudicious shots and some agile fielding despite starts from Veryan Brooksby 36, Daniel Murfet 27 and Callum Cook 26 saw the visitors slump to 149-8. It was down to the young tail to come to Illingworth's rescue and they did in some style. Adam Mellor hitting 7-4s and 4-6s to finish on an undefeated 55, his debut first 50, putting on 44 for the ninth wicket with Ben Clark and rubbed more salt into the home sides wounds adding 34 more for the last wicket with Louis Smith.

A rain delay lowered the target to 197 and for a time at 56-2 with Simon Collins batting well Bradshaw looked to be capable of making a challenge but after he was removed for 43 by Ben Clark courtesy of a stunning slip catch from Ben Robertshaw regular wickets fell and the innings fell away. Luke Brooksby added two more good catches for Clark who returned to the side after a four week work absence as he finished on 6-16 to take his tally for the season to 12-50 against Bradshaw. Steve Beck did his best to keep the visitors at bay with an undefeated 26 but with rain falling once more the visitors snatched victory with the final Bradshaw wicket.