Another fine all-round display from Robert Dilger took Skipton to within a whisker of sealing promotion from Division C at the first attempt.

After two successive relegations, Skipton are now 17 points clear of third-placed Horsforth with only three games remaining and only a Devon Loch-style collapse can deny them promotion in their 150th anniversary year.

Dilger claimed 4-59 and then hit 85 as Skipton beat promotion rivals Colton by seven wickets to remain nine points clear of second-placed Illingworth, who beat Upper Wharfedale.

Tim Linley's 5-28 helped Horsforth beat Olicanian in a low-scoring encounter but they are now left hoping for a major slip-up from the top two during the run-in.

Mark Booth's unbeaten 66 helped Ben Rhydding beat Woodhouse and clinch back-to-back victories for the first time this season.

The battle to avoid the drop in Division B took yet another twist with Harden slipping to the foot of the table with a heavy defeat at Calverley despite Simon Wood taking 6-70.

Harden have 32 points, one behind Silsden with third bottom Thackley a further point ahead.

Andrew Pullen's 4-50 helped Silsden claim two points from a losing draw with Knaresborough after finishing on 137-9 in reply to the home side's 174-9.

Thackley also claimed two points from their clash at Kirkstall, a notable achievement against a side who had already been promoted. In reply to the home side's 210-8, Thackley finished on 181-5 to extend their unbeaten record to six games - no mean achievement considering they had just nine points at the midway stage of the season.

Bardsey boosted their survival hopes with a 129-run rout of promotion-chasing Rawdon, only Bruce Percy and Kenrick Marshall offering much resistance with 25 apiece.

Despite the defeat, Rawdon remain strong favourites to join Kirkstall in Division A next season due to holding a 15-point lead over nearest rivals Pool who beat Burley by 65 runs.

Michael Sant's 78 not out helped Ilkley to a winning draw with Tong Park, a result that pushes Ilkley level on 57 points with Rawdon.

Menston's hopes of lifting the Division A title for the first time in 53 years appear to be over after they slumped to a second consecutive defeat, Guiseley landing a six-wicket victory that owed a huge debt to Howard Reeve's 59 and Andrew Paley's

4-39.

Bilton are now 16 points clear of second placed Menston after their home defeat of Steeton, a result that leaves the visitors staring relegation in the face. Gary Boulton made 50 for Steeton, but they are now 13 points behind third bottom Follifoot with just 18 points to play for.

Collingham's 23-run defeat at home to Otley means they are relegated, Sam Smith cracking 67 and David Brady 50 for the victors.

Craig Hobson took 6-41 but could not prevent Hall Park slumping to a 55-run defeat at Follifoot, while Garfield Williams's half-century at North Leeds was not enough as Green Lane lost by four wickets.