Solid bowling provides foundation for 1st XI win over Oxenhope

Illingworth extended their lead at the top of the Premier Division to 14 points with a comfortable win over visitors Oxenhope.

Frustrated by the weather the previous week the home side made no mistake in much better conditions.

The Keighley men got off to a comfortable start with an opening partnership of 27 before quick man Luke Brooksby struck two early blows and with Jamie Moorhouse and Stephen Cook getting in on the act were quickly reduced to 38-7. Chris Kibble held his team together coming in at number seven with an undefeated 57 which contained nine boundaries but no one could stay with him long enough as the visitors just managed a batting point as they were all out for 100 in the 34th over. Eight of the visitors wickets were clean bowled with a brilliant run out from Matty Smith with a direct throw to add to the mix. Stephen Cook finishing with 3-19, including his 100th league wicket for the 1st XI, Jamie Moorhouse 3-37 and Luke Brooksby 3-39.

In reply the home men wobbled early on losing two early wickets at 13-2 but the Cook brothers steadied the ship with Callum (38) and Stephen (24) before Luke Brooksby finished the game with a flourish with an undefeated 28 to bring victory in just the 26th over.