EMBSAY continue to dominate the J P Mewies Craven Cricket League, a comprehensive nine-wicket win at Long Lee preserving their leadership of Division One.
The 10-man Keighley side batted first and slipped to 51-7 before a little tail wagging got them to 86 all out. Top scorer was Brian Portlock with 20 as Scott Robinson took 5-54 and John Metcalfe 4-27. The Shires Lane side then romped home, with Simon Bailey hitting 61 before needlessly running himself out with victory in sight.
At Cure Hill there was a rerun of the previous week's Wynn Cup final and the result was the same, although Cowling did get a little bit closer.
The South Craveners went first and were restricted to 112-9, with Keith Woodhead anchoring the innings with 34 as Jeff Inman, on his return to first-team cricket after injury, claiming 4-23 from 10 overs and Dale Hoyle taking 3-16.
After a stuttering start, Michael Scarborough (41) eased Oakworth to the points, Chris Mooney, with 23no, completing the job.
Third-placed Barrowford could hardly believe their eyes as 10-man visitors Bradley crashed to 71 all out. The first three batsmen scored 61 runs, but the next seven all went for ducks in a cascade of wickets, Farouk Shazead taking 5-23 and Ajmal Choudry 3-6. This was in reply to the Bull Holme side's 174-7, of which Neil Hargreaves scored 72 and Geoff Keast 36 as James Heseltine spun his way to 5-34.
Fourth-placed Thornton also had a good afternoon when they entertained Haworth. They dismissed the Bronte side for a modest 68, with Mark Paxton (5-31) and Brian Laycock (3-2) doing the damage. Dave Harrison, with 41no, led the victory saunter, which was successful by seven wickets.
Cullingworth occupy fifth spot, which they consolidated by beating neighbours Denholme and plunging them into a relegation spot. The Royd Wood side went first and amassed 237-6 in their innings, top scorer being Andy Hodgson with 50no. The home side were then restricted to 167-7 in their overs, with Gareth Marshall scoring 71 as Chris Welch finished with 6-85.
In the basement battle at Sandylands, the home side must have fancied their chances after they knocked over Haworth WE for 89. However, it wasn't to be as Skipton CI crashed to 82 all out, which leaves them anchored to the foot of the table, six points away from safety.
Sutton edged nearer to the Second Division title as they saw off second-placed Foulridge at Noyna. The visitors made 156 batting first, with Paul Williams (52) and Paul Hardaker (39) being the top scorers. Darren Wild, who took 5-59, and David Holdsworth (3-24) then knocked over the home side for 125.
The race for the third division title is still wide open, with three teams heavily involved. The leaders Oakworth enjoyed their trip to Cowling, coming away with the spoils by three wickets, while second-placed Barrowford had to battle hard to beat Airedale at Bradford Road.
Fourth division leaders Bradley crashed to a 41-run defeat at home to Chatburn. Ted Topham (37) and Dave Lakin (37no) helped the Ribblesdale side to 144-7 batting first. Jonathan Williamson taking 5-29 off 15 overs. Geoff Lambert, who took 6-42, and A Zulfi (4-53) then knocked over the home side for 103.
Glusburn closed to within four points after they entertained and beat Pendle Forest III.
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