Steeton's hopes of catching Adel in the title race suffered a savage blow with their home defeat by fourth-from-bottom Burley in the Aire-Wharfedale League.

Follifoot and Bilton climbed above Steeton, who are now in fourth place, a daunting 21 points behind leaders Adel.

With just four matches remaining and 24 points at stake, it would take a massive change in fortunes to lift the side from Summerhill Lane back into contention.

Even so, it has been a season of improvement for Steeton, who finished ninth last term. They were never in the hunt against Burley, who are now unbeaten in their last four games. Richard Harrison did the damage, taking five for 27 in his 13.2 overs as Steeton were dismissed for 112.

Burley lost two wickets on their way to victory with David Brook hitting an excellent 58 and Ian Frost was left unbeaten on 38.

Menston lifted themselves off the bottom of the table with an impressive nine-wicket triumph at home to neighbours Guiseley, who made 160 for nine in their allotted overs. Gary Thompson (75) and David Lester (61 not out) enjoyed a partnership of 111 as Menston won with 18 overs in hand.

Rawdon avoided defeat at Green Lane but took just one point from a losing draw after the home side had piled up their highest score of the season - 296 for seven. Barry McCormack made 84, Simon Curry 77 and Garfield Williams 70 in the run-fest, and, although Jamie Davie hit a half century in reply, Rawdon had reached only 156 for six at the close.

There were shocks at the foot of Division B, with the bottom two raising hopes of survival with surprise victories.

Back-markers Illingworth registered only their second league win of the season at home to Tong Park, while second from bottom Skipton overcame visitors Silsden.

James Doherty made a half century for Illingworth but it was Richard Whiteoak and Richard Smith whose batting and bowling skills were a major factor in the win. Whiteoak hit 30 and took five for 46 with his off-spin, while Smith plundered 53 runs and took three for ten with his pace bowling.

Skipton are now just three points behind third-from-bottom Ilkley after defeating Silsden by 81 runs and avenging a six-wicket defeat in June. Kevin Owers and Will Deerness made scores in the forties in helping Skipton to reach 200 for seven. Then Andrew Fergie's off-breaks earned him figures of five for 19 in 13 overs and Silsden were dismissed for 119.

Ilkley are in peril after promotion-chasers Otley defeated them by eight wickets. Richard Simpson was the only home batsman to resist with an innings of 29 and Otley had no difficulty in passing Ilkley's total of 97, Jonty Maston making 52 and Robert Atkinson 37 not out.

Pool, without a win since July 6, lost by eight wickets at home to leaders Hall Park, while Calverley went down to a nine-wicket defeat against Kirkstall.