The frustrations of cricketers not being able to play due to the weather looked as though they were going to be tested yet again in Saturday's Craven League fixtures.

However sterling work by groundsmen managed to get 75 per cent of grounds playable albeit that the wickets, and outfield, were soft.

Joint leaders Embsay were in the runs on their first visit to Denholme. After losing a couple of wickets for 28 runs, they went on to plunder 317-5 in their overs. Duncan Ward and David Robinson put on 162 for the third wicket before the latter was bowled for 60, although not before breaking a window in the nearby Black Horse.

Ward went on to a magnificent 181no which included 16 sixes and 14 fours. The homesters could only reply with 115 with Paddy Clark top scoring with 33 as Stephen Speak claimed 6-34.

The other joint leaders, Cowling, tumble to fifth spot after going down by three wickets at Bradley. The visitors batted first and posted 160-9 with Steve Mitchell 46 and Martyn Dalby 43 showing the way. John Duffy finished with 5-69.

The home side's reply got off to a bad start, losing two wickets for just one run. However Mick Hall 47 and Neil Robinson pulled things around before Craig Tempest with 43no led his side to the points.

Long Lee moved up to second after winning off the last ball at Barrowford in a 32 over per side game. The Bull Holme side were restricted to 88-9 with Neil Hargreaves anchoring proceedings with 43no. Matt Taylor took 4-34. Long Lee were indebted to Mick Iles 39 and Brian Portlock with 34 for their victory.

Thornton are third after comprehensively beating Skipton CI by eight wickets at Sandylands.