South Yorkshire Times, July 10 ,1948

Re-Shuffles in the South Riding League

Shiregreen, relentlessly pursuing their course at the head of the South Riding League’s “B” Division, beat, Frickley colliery at South Elmsall, while Swinton widened the gap between them by taking only a point from their match at Bentley. Wath’s heartening victory against Darfield lifted them another rung in the table, and up with them went Mexborough, reward for a particularly meritorious performance in their defeat of City Police. Cortonwood moved up in Section “A” while Hemsworth increased their margin of lead by defeating Harworth. South Kirkby, in a non-riding League fixture with Dearne, tied for the second week in succession

The recognition of Wardle by the test selectors came as a very great pleasure in this part of South Yorkshire. However, Yorkshire will miss his slow left-arm guile in their important match with Middlesex at Bradford tomorrow. Johnny has taken 91 wickets this season – 26 in his last three matches – and of course set South Yorkshire’s heart rejoicing by dismissing the Don in the match Sheffield.

Johnny Wardle was in the news at Sheffield – and at Elsecar, primary for his share in Surrey’s defeat by an innings and 129 runs – six wickets for 43 Surrey runs in their second innings – secondly for a gesture to Saturdays “gate” at the Elsecar – Firbeck Yorkshire Council match. Through Johnny’s courtesy, Elsecar spectators had the pleasure of seeing a Len Hutton bat, bearing the autographs of both Australian and Yorkshire teams inscribed during their match at Sheffield.

High Power Scoring.

Wath 201 for 3                              Darfield 200 for 8 dec

Wath Athletic certainly showed Darfield the way on Saturday with a seven wicket victory at Wath. Scoring was high and the fair sized crowd saw 400 runs scored during the afternoon. Darfield lost an early wicket when Hirst was bowled by Hargreaves with 10 runs on the board. J. Routledge looked firmly settled, however, as indeed he was and he batted through the innings to score a very credible 76 not out. Chief contributors apart from Routledge were G Perrin (20), W. Fawcett (12) and G Greaves (10). Darfield scored 200 for 8 declared.

Wath were left with just over two hours to get 200 runs and with only two runs scored Heppenstall’s wicket fell. George Feirn and Syd Ellis shared in a partnership which put 65 on the board, and which was broken when Feirn was bowled for 24. F Darley came to score 52 not out, Darley and Ellis taking the score to 100 after 70 min batting. These two batted on until, with only 25 min play left, when total stood at 150, Ellis was caught seven runs from his the century. C Heaton came in and with Darley scored the remaining runs in just over 20 min. Wath scoring 201 for three with Eaton 23 not out.

Munden’s Big Share.

Denaby 110                         Cortonwood 112 for 5

Denaby disappointed in their home Council fixture with Cortonwood. They had no answer to the fast bowling of J.Higgs, who took five for 39, saviour was J. Munden who claimed 65 not out in their total of 110.

Cortonwood knocked off the runs in an hour and a half and accomplished victory in a carefree manner. Top scorer was J. Wray (20) in a total of 112 for 5.

Held to a Draw.

Bentley 148 for 7              Swinton 178 for 8

Swinton were held to a draw in their Council and South Riding League fixture at Bentley, several dropped catches helping Bentley on their way to 148 for 7 in reply to Swinton’s 178 for eight. Wilf Broadhead had another grand innings of 68 for Swinton; Senior 43.

Wake’s 38 not out was Bentley’s highest. Swinton were without Bailey and Ward. Kerry was their most successful bowler with four for 43.