Ilkley'S hopes of avoiding relegation from Division B of the Airedale & Wharfedale Cricket league were dealt a body blow by their old rivals Otley.

The eight-wicket defeat leaves them hovering just three points above the relegation zone on 38 points.

The pressure from beneath is building following Skipton's surprise 81-run win over over Silsden.

Ilkley were made to pay dearly for a poor batting display which left them with a mountain to climb.

Batting first, they were dismissed for just 97 whicxh was never going to be anything like enough to challenge a side like Otley who are pressing for promotion.

Richard Simpson (29) was the only Ilkley batsman to offer prolonged resistance.

The remainder of his colleagues failed to make an impact against an accurate opposition attack.

Otley showed that the picth held no terrors for them as they cruised to their target with Jonty Maston making 52 and Robert Atkinson (37no).

Ilkley desperately need points from their last four matches of which three are away from home

They have to visit Knaresborough, bottom team Illingworth and Pool while their only home fixture left is against Calverley.

Rivals Skipton have a much tougher run in than Ilkley. Their programme includes matches against the top three teams.

They have two home matches in their last four against promotion chasing Kirkstall and Otley.

They also have to make away trips to leaders Hall Park and Tong Park.

The toughness of that schedule should improve Ilkley's chances but they need to help themselves by not relying on their opoonents' results.

The outlook for Otley is much brighter because they are now a step closer to regaining a place in the top flight.

The win over Ilkley means they remain a point ahead of Kirkstall Education in the race for the second promotion spot.

Leaders Hall Park bounced back from their Waddilove Cup final defeat by Guiseley to extend their unbeaten league record to 18 games.

They beat Pool by eight wickets with Australian star Michael Elliott leading the way with 80 as they passed Pool's score of 135.

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