Askern's dismal run continues

ASKERN'S dreadful run in Pontefract League Division One continued with a 143-run trouncing at Crofton.

Askern, without a league win since July 7, managed only 86, replying to the Wakefield side's 229-9.

Michael Stuart was Askern's top scorer with 22 and Adam Mantovani was their best bowler with 4-44.

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Askern are just three points ahead of second bottom Conisbrough who lost by 100 runs to title-chasers Ackworth.

Chasing a formidable 358-4 that featured a century by Stuart Coleman, Conisbrough salvaged three batting points by making 258-7, thanks to Des Steel (84) and Paul Jackson (54).

Conisbrough and Askern both end the season with successive away matches. Conisbrough visit Featherstone and Old Sharlston while Askern travel to Old Sharlston and Ackworth.

Fishlake are set to finish third for the second successive season after sharing the points in a tie at Frickley Colliery.

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Paul Moores claimed 4-36 and David Copley 3-63 as Frickley were bowled out for 160, which included 68 by Steve Secker.

In reply, Fishlake were dismissed for an identical total after losing their last three wickets for 15 runs. The scores finished level when Moores, attempting a winning hit, was caught by Frickley wicket-keeper Andy Belk.

David Johnson (44) led Fishlake's scoring.

Division Two leaders Sprotbrough, relegated last season, stayed on course for a swift return to the top-flight by crushing Knottingley.

Andy Exton snapped up 7-46 in a 17-over spell and Steve Parkes bagged 2-16 from nine overs as Knottingley were routed for 91.

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Matthew Webb finished unbeaten on 37 and Paul Wheeler made 23 as Sprotbrough comfortably knocked off the runs to move eight points clear of closest rivals Upper Haugh and Sandal.

However, Sprotbrough failed in their bid to reach the Secondary Yorkshire Council Championship final when they lost to Central Yorkshire League Wakefield Thornes.

In Sunday's semi-final, Thornes recovered from 45-5 to post 226-9 and Sprotbrough were dismissed for 180.

Thorne Colliery slipped deeper into relegation trouble with a one-wicket defeat at Upper Haugh.

Ian Lloyd (43) and Mick Sellars (42) steered Thorne to 159.

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Carl Walton (5-76) gave Upper Haugh's reply plenty of problems before they eventually scraped home with the last pair at the wicket.

Barnby Dun eased their relegation worries by collecting maximum points at Whitley Bridge.

Phil Day (3-21) and Carl Rice (3-29) bowled out Whitley for 143 after Steve Barnes (56) and Phil Decent (26) had guided Barnby to 190.