Bradford League: Morley mounting serious promotion challenge

Two sides who missed out last season in Undercliffe and Wrenthorpe currently lead the pack in Championship One and another who are well placed are Morley.

Fifth last term, the Scatcherd Lane outfit, who visit rock-bottom Ossett tomorrow, are currently third following an impressive seven wins from nine games so far in 2018 – a strong position ahead of the second half of the season.

With overseas Sangeeth Cooray, averaging 59 with the bat, having made an instant impression after a belated arrival, and consistency with the ball from the likes of David Nebard and plenty of others besides, the blend seems an encouraging one.

Cricket secretary Simon Barraclough said: “There are still improvements to be made, so sitting third in the league, we feel we are well positioned for a push for promotion in the second half of the season.

“The top two in the league are in great form and we do not underestimate the challenge ahead with limited resources, but we aim to be more consistent and improve on the batting front to sustain our promotion push.

“Of our rivals, clearly the top two now are the teams to beat with Undercliffe still undefeated in the league and Wrenthorpe in a rich vein of form prior to their narrow defeat last week.

“There are a number of teams who can beat each other on the day in this division and Championship 1 is a strong competition.

“We look forward to the second half of the season and hope all three teams can achieve promotion in their respective leagues.

Specifically on the impact made by Cooray, he added: “It was a frustrating period awaiting the arrival of Sangeeth this season, but the club was fully supportive of ‘Sanga’ whose delay was due to his achievement in being selected for the end-of-season regional competitions, which is a great achievement for him personally, mixing with established international cricketers.

“Since landing in the UK for his second season with us, his form has been excellent and his undefeated 81 on Saturday was a pleasure to watch.

“Sanga is a pleasure to have around the club and we certainly get plenty back from Sanga with his junior coaching. New recruit Harish Krishnesh has also been a real find and has fitted in well and shows a great attitude.

“Our opening bowling attack remains amongst the best in the league, but importantly they are also backed up with skipper Ollie Halliday and evergreen David Nebard in the wickets this season.”

Elsewhere in the Champ-ionship tomorrow, leaders Undercliffe visit Baildon and second-placed Wrens head to Pudsey Congs, up to fourth.

Gomersal host Bankfoot and Hartshead Moor entertain Hunslet Nelson. Yeadon welcome Batley.