DESPITE a magnificent bowling performance from spinner Grant Soames and some lusty late blows from Ryan Duckett Yeadon were unable to force victory at Farsley on Saturday.

Yeadon seem to be being hit with everything going at the moment and when wicketkeeper Paul Hebden had to cry off late in the day Neil Elvidge took over behind the stumps.

Farsley were put in to bat on a good wicket and proceeded to total 225 for eight. Their drinks score of 126 for two had promised more than this but then they slumped to 154 for six with Soames grinding out the wickets.

John Goldthorp however steered his side on with a well struck 33 assisted by Mark Whitehead who, with the help of a runner due to a groin strain, made 47.

Soames finished with an excellent seven for 62 off 20 overs while John Roper, last week's hero, had to settle for a more modest one for 61.

Yeadon got the start they needed in reply taking the score to 57 before Waseem Munawar was snapped up at gully by Ashraf off the bowling of former Rawdon player Craig Hitchenor.

Iain Philliskirk then showed great resolve batting at number three and making 52 while Jonny Henry fell to a slick piece of stumping by Goldthorp for 36.

Neil Elvidge (29) and Damon Gormley (3) fell by the wayside as Philliskirk continued his battle but Yeadon needed another substantial innings if they were to gain victory.

This failed to transpire although Ryan Duckett hit some lusty blows with two sixes and a four off one Munir over.

Yeadon were looking set for victory when Gary Ramsden took a vital wicket leaving them 214 for eight with 15 needed off the last over.

Yeadon managed just two and had to settle for a point as they bid to escape the relegation zone.

Yeadon Seconds seem to have lost their way somewhat in recent weeks with first team calls and injuries decimating their squad.

They made 164 against Lightcliffe with Alexis McInnis top scoring with 51. Lightcliffe knocked off the runs for the loss of eight wickets, Steve Gilks returning five for 59.

Esholt stung

by the Bees

Bradford and Bingley confounded even their own supporters when they chased an Esholt score of 261 for seven and passed it with eight wickets in hand and an amazing 12 overs left.

Mark Gilliver had led the Esholt run feast with a belligerent unbeaten 135 meting out some harsh punishment in the closing overs.

Many thought the Bees had thrown away their chances in these closing stages but skipper Patrick Fordham urged his men to chase the runs.

They made a good start with Carl Sharp and Rob Nicholls sharing a stand of 77 before Nicholls was caught behind by John Barton for 39.

Sharp and Fordham then took the score to 116 before Fordham was out, when he played on to a delivery from Wilkinson which trickled to the wicket in slow motion before dislodging a bail.

That was to be the end of Esholt's success with the ball as Sharp continued his good form with an excellent unbeaten 117 and overseas player H Kazim hammered a superb unbeaten 68 as the pair shared a match winning third wicket stand of 146 in just over 20 overs.