THE top three teams all had emphatic wins as the battle for promotion continues to hot up in All Rounder Cricket Bradford Premier League Championship Two.

Leaders Carlton defeated Hunslet Nelson by eight wickets, second-placed Yeadon crushed Hopton Mills by nine wickets and third-placed Birstall defeated Liversedge by 196 runs.

It means that Carlton have a 15-point lead over Yeadon with Birstall a further eight points back.

Leg spinner James Massheder impressed with 6-22 as Yeadon bowled out Hopton Mills for 147 on their way to crushing win.

Opener Gareth Lee (69) and Rob Smith (46no) set the tone for the Yeadon reply with overseas player Sarmad Hameed (30no) providing the finishing touches.

Overseas player Kershaski John Lewis was in the thick of the action in Carlton’s latest win. He took 4-13 as Hunslet Nelson were bowled out for 164 and made an unbeaten 63 as Carlton cruised to victory.

Carlton’s win wasn’t a one-man show. Spencer Hunt (3-3) backed up John Lewis’s efforts with the ball while Daniel White (76) impressed with the bat. Skipper Will Stiff (40) provided the one innings of any substance for Nelson.

Birstall’s batsmen were in good form as they helped their side to a total of 265-8 against Liversedge. Rishy Limbechaya (75) and Nick Kaye (61) shared 113 for the third wicket, while Ashley Burton (43) and Josh Haynes (41) added valuable runs.

Liversedge had no answer to the fine bowling of left arm seamer James Russell (7-30) as they were skittled out for 69.