Although the senior side were beaten in Division Two of the Bradford League and in the second round of the Priestley Cup, there was some encouragement in a decent debut for Morley's latest recruit while there was drama all the way as the seconds recorded their best win of the season so far.

The first XI batted first at Keighley on Saturday and Adam Larkin continued his fine run of form this year with an excellent knock of 80 which included 10 fours and a six.

He received support from Matt Taylor (32) and Nathan Bromby (49 not out) as Morley put on a much improved batting performance to finish on 201-5.

New boy Richard Barber, whose last minute transfer from Altofts had been rushed through on Friday night to beat the registration deadline, marked his Bradford League debut with a huge six that landed in the rugby ground and he went on to make 10.

Keighley made a lightening start to their reply as they raced to 56-2 in the first 10 overs, Nathan Bromby taking both wickets.

Spinners Barber and Tom Smith slowed things down, with Barber grabbing 4-50 to complete a promising first game. The game went to the final over, but Morley's hopes were dashed from the third from last ball when Keighley squeezed home.

Table topping Manningham Mills were the visitors in the second team game at Scatcherd Lane on Saturday.

At 76-6, they looked in real trouble, but recovered sufficiently to finish on 178-7. Andrew Cutt took another five-wicket haul, while Ash Daly picked up two and Graeme Roberts one.

The Goodlads led the reply - dad David smashing 80 and son Gavin scoring 35 in a century opening stand. But from such a promising start and 109-0, things began to collapse.

Although youngster Jack Seddon held his nerve to contribute an invaluable 18, seven wickets fell for 56 runs and there were still 14 required.

Morley were then stunned when Roberts collapsed at the crease, suffering a recurrence of the serious knee injury that kept him out previously for 2 years. The game was held up while an ambulance was called. He was later released from hospital and while the prognosis is not good, the injury is not as serious as last time.

However, when the game resumed Eddie Ream strode to the wicket and proceeded to score 13 not out to complete a tremendous victory for Morley who are in fourth place only 13 points behind new leaders Bradford & Bingley in the Second XI Division Two.

Morley's first team was in action again on Sunday, but could not surprise first division Esholt as they crashed out of the Priestley Cup at the second round stage.

A prolonged downpour caused dampness to the pitch and run scoring was to prove extremely difficult for all the batsmen.

Morley had Yorkshire player Chris Taylor in their ranks, but could not get off to a good start as he fell for 12 and with fellow opener Nathan Bromby going for one and the previously in-form Adam Larkin out for a duck they stood on 25-3.