Skipton'S bid to stay in Division B of the Airedale & Wharfedale League is still alive and kicking.

Their 81-run derby win over neighbours Silsden at Sandylands last weekend kept them within three points of third-from-bottom Ilkley, with four games still to play.

Key to success against Silsden was a solid all-round batting effort and a match-winning effort with the ball from spinner Andrew Fergie.

An opening stand of 67 between Kevin Owens (43) and Steve Carling (21) gave Skipton the impetus they needed and though both openers fell in quick succession, those setbacks were not enough to damage the side's momentum.

Martin Windle (28) and Will Deerness put on 49 for the third wicket and after Windle had departed, Rob Walker (28) joined Deerness in a 52-run stand, Deerness finally being bowled by Adrian Emmott for 46.

Skipton's 200-7 tally was always too much for Silsden, who never really got into a position to challenge, largely due to a fine spell from Fergie, who was both accurate and penetrative. His 13-over spell contained six maidens and brought him a 5-19 return which wrecked any hopes Silsden had of recovering from a modest start.

Ilkley's eight-wicket reverse at the hands of neighbours Otley left them vulnerable to a strong finish by the Sandylands men.