Oakworth took a big step towards their first Craven Cricket League title since 1995 when the much awaited clash of the top two turned out to be something of a damp squib as second placed Embsay failed to live up to expectations.

Batting first at Shires Lane they reached 45-1 then lost another seven wickets in reaching 84 due to some searching bowling by Graham Rankin who finished with 5-43 and Jeff Inman, who took 3-29.

Only a 30 run partnership by Simon Holt, 23no, and Scott Robinson, 8, and then Nasser Hussain, 9, helped the score to 129.

With few runs to play with Embsay's bowlers gave their colleagues a glimmer of hope when Oakworth found themselves 30-2, before they shut the door on their rivals and coasted to 107 before losing a third wicket. Another followed at 114 but there were no further hiccups as the target was reached for the loss of four wickets in the 31st over. Robert Hopkinson took full advantage of being dropped twice to score 54no.

This opens a seven-point gap at the top of the table and Embsay drop to third spot following this defeat (tables inside).

Haworth move into second spot after brushing aside struggling eight man Sutton. The South Craveners were dismissed for 47 with three wickets each for Richard Godden and Damian Rowell. Haworth lost two wickets reaching their target.

Reigning champions Thornton are fourth after a handy 43 run triumph over at Barrowford. Batting first the Booth Bridge Lane side made 169 with David Holt leading the way with 65 and Mark Procter 32. Glen Hargreaves took 4-36. Mark Paxton 4-35 and Stephen Lodge 4-36 ensured that the home side fell short of their target.

Bradley move into fifth spot, one point ahead of Barrowford, after overcoming Skipton CI. Neil Andrews 75no and Mike Milboum 60 helped the homesters to 199-6 in their overs. The visitors were dismissed for a modest 70 with John Williamson 4-15 and Tim Rudden 4-31 doing the damage.

Early leaders Cowling were in fine form with the bat as they rattled up 225-5 at home to Pendle Forest, with Martyn Dalby scoring 66no and A Quon 57. The Fence side were dismissed for 118 with Ian Watson claiming 6-34.

Long Lee's Paul Wilkinson scored a magnificent 120no as his side rattled up 211-5 at home to Carleton. The Ramper Park side made 124-9 as Alan Coney finished with 4-39.

Haworth West End edged a little closer to the pack in their effort to avoid relegation when they beat Foulridge by 27 runs. The Bronte side batted first and reached 156-8 at the end of their overs, with Duncan Tetley, 46, being the top scorer. For Foulridge only Mohammed Nawaz with 43 posed any threat as Adam Bailey 5-30 and Jason Bilbrough 5-65 had them back in the hut for 129.