NEIL SPRAGG launched an impressive batting onslaught as Steeton piled up the runs against Collingham last weekend -- but found himself on the losing side.

Spragg scored 126 as the Summerhill Lane club set a target of 286-9.

He was backed up by Australian Grant Lindsay who scored 55 and Oliver Gledhill added 38 with P Barrett chipping in with 22.

Despite facing the daunting total the home side secured a four-wicket victory despite S Hudson taking five for 88.

The defeat moved Steeton further away from the chasing pack as Adel picked up six points to move clear of second placed Follifoot at the top of the table.

Silsden kept up their challenge in Division B by taking maximum points from their encounter with bottom club Illingworth.

But it did not all go Silsden's way as they lost a string of wickets after being given a solid start.

John Akrigg (14) and Tim Sugden (11) scored 26 before the first wicket fell, but a procession of batsmen followed them to the pavilion as they slipped to 5-57.

Lee Bilbrough (39) and Andy Pullen (13) put the brakes on Illingworth's bowling attack, but the home side could not be complacent after setting a meagre total of 127. Roberts and Akrigg kept the lid on the Illingworth batsmen and Mark Akrigg went on to collect six wickets for 44 runs as his bowled unchanged for 16.4 overs, putting the visitors out of their misery as the last two wickets fell on 83.

Harden are just three points behind top club Thackley in Division C after holding out for a draw against Ben Rhydding. The home club set a target of 167 and Harden closed on 135-9 with A Bailey undefeated on 51.

Holidays and late withdrawals from the team left Silsden 2nds with only one recognised bowler and they knew they needed a big score to put pressure on the Illingworth side.

Stuart Tillotson scored an undefeated 77 after retiring hurt and later returning to the crease to bolster the innings. He was backed up by Paul Tatterton (33) and James Tillotston (30 not out), but the total of 196-6 meant they would have to work hard to contain the Illingworth batting.

Opener Paul Taylor batted through the innings for 82 as Silsden tried a variety of part time bowlers, including wicket-keeper Tatterton, in a bid to break through.

Their efforts brought little reward as Illingworth secured a five-wicket win.

League tables -- Page 15