BILTON narrowed the gap at the top of Division A of the Airedale and Wharfedale League League with a superb win over Steeton.

The reigning champions had a stand of 192 between Steve Phillips (110) and Miles Corish (90) to thank for their final score of 262-5. Mick Emmerson smashed 40 off 15 balls to fairly set the scoreboard moving.

Steeton, without a victory in seven games were then put out for a mere 69 as M Rasool returned 3-16 and A Burton 3-26.

Menston maintain pole position having held off the challenge of neighbours Guiseley despite the efforts of Ian Chaplin. He hit a fine 73 and was caught off the first ball of the last over as Guiseley finished 23 runs short of Menston's 200-6.

Ned Taylor held the Menston innings together with a fine knock of 66 and he was well supported by Michael Bredenkamp (45)and Richard Taylor (34).

Guiseley were given a good start by skipper Mark Ross (26) and Graeme Wolfenden (31) but then Jason Scott bagged four wickets to halt them in their tracks.

Promoted Otley gained another win and move up to fourth place after an excellent win over visitors Collingham. Superb batting from James Davies (65 no), skipper Robert Atkinson (49) and Matt O'Grady (36 no) gave Otley a final score of 231-5.

Atkinson completed a fine all-round performance with 4-44 off 19 overs of spin with his slow bowling partner Andrew Mitchell backing him up with 4-26 off 14 overs as Collingham were put out for 138.

North Leeds sealed the points against Green Lane thanks to some excellent batting from openers Rob Winter (56 no) and David Yates (41). The Roundhay side gained an easy eight wickets win after Lane had made 142 all out. They struggled against the bowling of C Roy who took 5-19.

Follifoot hung on for two points against a Hall Park side that had made 214-6 thanks to a solid 61 from opener Peter Kempton and another excellent innings of 74 not out from the Australian Michael Elliott.

Follifoot replied with 198-9 thanks to a magnificent knock of 89 from Chris Newton and 42 from opener Miller. Peter Weedon almost forged victory for Park with a 5-53 return off 19 overs.

In Division B Ilkley took five points from a drawn game with Tong Park after posting a massive 267-8. Openers Simon Stolcman (96) and Jonathan Hughes (54) set them on the right path with a stand of 138. Tong Park held on at 167-8 in reply to gain a point despite the efforts of Richard Simpson (5-73 off 25 overs).

Rawdon are pushing hard for a return to Division A and they set a target of 202 after an unbeaten 56 from M Doyle and 49 from opener Craig Walsh. Bardsey were dismissed for 60 in reply as Kenrick Marshall shattered them with a superb 6-20 return off 12.3 overs.

Kirkstall opener S Harrison hammered a classy 109 as his side totalled 203-6. Thackley fell for 116 in reply as Neil Walmsley maintained his good form with 4-12 haul and S Nesbitt took 3-23.

A fine 84 from L Bilbrough helped Silsden to 173-7. They then held Knaresborough to 158-9 for a draw.