VISITORS Keighley recorded a thrilling one-run victory over Pudsey Congs at the weekend in Division One of the Bradford Premier League.
It meant another scalp of a high-flying side, after they had beaten Undercliffe the previous week.
Keighley skipper Scott Etherington won the toss and opted to bat first on a good-looking batting track.
His batsmen took advantage of this, with several players chipping in to help the Lawkholme Laners post a competitive 224-8 in their allotted 50 overs.
Contributions from overseas player Noah McFadyen (29) and Nathan Storton (28) helped to pave the way for brutal half-century knocks from Ben Helmsley (54 off 39 deliveries) and Adam Smith (54 off 32 deliveries).
Ryan Heptinstall was the pick of the Pudsey bowlers with 3-63.
Pudsey’s chase was hampered by the weather and Duckworth Lewis rules were applied, setting the home side 196 to win from 38 overs.
Wickets fell at regular intervals, as Pudsey had to push with limited overs available, but Yohan Mendis weighing in with an excellent 67 off just 65 deliveries.
Keighley's opening bowlers Ijaz Ahmed (2-58) and McFadyen (4-64) though were in excellent form and the game came down to the last delivery, with Pudsey needing three to win.
But Helmsley kept his cool and ran out Heptinstall, giving Keighley a dramatic one-run win.
Skipper Etherington was extremely pleased with his side’s efforts, as to win at Pudsey is never an easy thing. The first team entertain second-placed Carlton at Lawkholme this coming weekend.
Meanwhile, Keighley’s second string entertained Buttershaw St Paul’s at Lawkholme in Reserves Division Two of the Bradford Premier League, with the hosts romping to a six-wicket victory.
Stand-in Keighley skipper Greg Wilkinson lost the toss and was invited to field first, with Buttershaw hoping to take advantage of a great-looking batting wicket.
John Anderson (58) and Charlie Leach (19) got Buttershaw off to a strong start but once Wilkinson brought his young spin duo of Louie Wilkinson and Mohammed Abbas into the attack, the tables turned dramatically.
The youngsters completely destroyed the Buttershaw line up, with Wilkinson taking 4-29 and Abbas a fabulous 6-16, as Buttershaw were dismissed for a lowly 95.
Keighley’s reply was swift and they got to the winning target with four wickets down in just the 13th over.
Lucas Keslinke was in rampant form, hitting 33 in just 24 balls, which included an enormous six out of the ground and onto the dual carriageway.
Keighley move back to second place in the league with the victory, and they make the long journey to Sandal this coming Saturday for their next fixture.
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