Nidderdale League: Smith hammers Hampsthwaite with quick-fire '˜nine-fer'

Smith destroyed the Hamps’ batting card with nine wickets in 7.5 overs as the hosts were rolled over for just 48.

Only number nine Anthony Johnson put up any resistance to Smith with a brief 17 as Hamps were unable to cope with the strike bowler.

Jonny Duffy took the other wicket, the fifth of the innings to remove number three Richard Barratt. Leonard used only 8.3 overs of the second new ball to reach the target with two wickets down.

Darley sit above Leonard on nett run rate in second place and had an equally comprehensive win over Alne.

A destructive four bowling effort dismissed Alne for just 92 on their home track. Rory Sands (3-44) and Brad Stephens (2-12) did the damage in the early overs to allow lively paceman Michael Beecroft (4-18) to knock over the tail.

In reply, openers Chris Gill (49no) and Jonathan Rice (42no) required just 60 balls to reach the target without losing a wicket. Ouseburn remain the team to catch at the top and were far too strong for struggling Pateley Bridge in a 130-run victory.

Sam Parker struck 71 alongside opening partner Adam Fisher (55) as Ouseburn sized up at 236-6.

Ouse’ captain David Cummings then took three early wickets to set Bridge back but it was left for Parker to seal the man of the match prize with five wickets as Bridge were undone for 106.

Birstwith’s strong start to the 2016 season continued with a 70-run triumph over fellow top tier newbies West Tanfield.

James Riley steered his side up to 223-9 with a knock of 65 which was backed up by late hitting from Gary Collett (24), Darren Robinson (30no) and Will Hubbert (25).

Jonny Luty took four wickets for Tanfield but they buckled with the bat and were all out for 152.

A 172-run opening stand between Pat Gannon and Nick Robinson sent Spofforth on the way to victory against Helperby.

Robinson hit three sixes in compiling 87 while Gannon finished up six runs behind on 81 as both departed inside nine balls of each other.

Spofforth’s total of 243-7 was too hot for Helperby, who battled to 171-8 after losing three of their top four for ducks thanks to Daniel Spink’s half century.

Winless Knaresborough Forest remain rooted to the bottom of the table after losing to fellow strugglers Bishop Thornton.

Thornton reached 215-9 from the opening 45 overs before sending Forest packing for 147.

In-form Masham are the frontrunners to leap into Division One next season after extending their unbeaten start to the season to six games.

Wicketkeeper Andrew Smith sparked a comprehensive success over Thornton-le-Moor at the weekend with 77 opening the innings, leading his side up to 234-7.