Hopes of a Luddenden Foot giantkilling act in last Sunday’s Parish Cup first round were shattered but Bridgeholme’s dreams live on.
Foot went into their home tie against Foster’s Halifax League Premier side Thornton with high hopes after an unbeaten start to the season.
However, on a cold and damp day, Foot could only total 122 and went down by ten wickets.
At least they got the tie completed, unlike several other teams who were hit by rain from teatime and must resume on Sunday.
Opener Richard Pinder showed typical defiance, being eighth out for 23 with the score on 66. Number nine Jamie Hothersall then hit a quickfire 52 but Thornton knocked off the runs in 15 overs thanks to Ben King (61 no) and Ross Parr (57 no).
Foot went into the match without skipper Karl Whipp, who will be out for five to six weeks with a fractured arm after being hit by the ball whilst fielding against Augustinians on Saturday.
Only half a match was possible at Bridgeholme, where the home side were in good heart after Saturday’s victory over Northowram Hedge Top.
Debutant Conner Fowler’s half century did the trick on that occasion but it was three other batsmen who helped the Eastwood side to 265 on Sunday. James Hudson (56), Bobby Fielden (40) and number nine Saj Mahmood (51 no) kept the scoreboard moving.
Conditions deteriorated over tea and play was ended.
Hudson’s father Keith, who is sitting out the tie, said: “It was a good half for us but I am sure Bradshaw will fancy their chances of knocking them off next Sunday.”
Booth comfortably avenged last year’s semi-final defeat when they travelled to Low Moor.
Their hosts fielded a much-weakened side with Andy Croasdell, who pummelled Shelf on Saturday and also made a big score against Booth last season, among the absentees.
Richard Laycock and Chris Shannon took three wickets each as Low Moor were dismissed for 131 and Patrick Thomas (59 no) and Robert Laycock (42 no) saw Booth home from 45 for two.
Booth have withdrawn from the top division of the Halifax League’s Sunday Section due to a shortage of players.
The Broadfold Park thirds reached the final of the Rod Warhurst Trophy last season and gained promotion to the top section.
Meanwhile, league officials have decided to go ahead with this weekend’s Sunday Section programme. Those clubs whose grounds have cup games still in progress will have to play elsewhere.