The clash of the top two in the First Division turned out to be a damp squib as second placed Embsay failed to live up to expectations and visitors Oakworth won by six wickets to open a seven point gap at the top

Embsay reached 45 for one before collapsing as they lost another seven wickets reaching 84 thanks to some searching bowling by Graham Rankin who finished with five for 43 and Jeff Inman, who took three for 29. Embsay reached 129.

Oakworth were 30 for two before they shut the door on their rivals and coasted to 107 before losing a third wicket. Another followed at 114 but the target was reached for the loss of four wickets in the 31st over.

Robert Hopkinson took advantage of being dropped twice to score 54 not out. Embsay dropped to third spot following this defeat. Haworth moved into second spot after brushing aside Sutton. The South Craveners were dismissed for 47 with three wickets each for Richard Godden and Damian Rowell. Haworth lost two wickets in reaching their target.

Thornton are fourth after a 43 run win at Barrowford. They made 169. Mark Paxton with four for 35, and Stephen Lodge, four for 36 then bowled out Barrowford for 126 and gave Thornton a 43-run win.

Bradley moved into fifth after beating Skipton CI by 129 runs. Neil Andrews (75 not out) and Mike Milbourn (60) helped Bradley reach 199 for six.

The visitors were dismissed for 70 with John Williamson (4-15) and Tim Rudden (4-31) doing the damage. Cowling were in form as they rattled up 225 for five at home to Pendle Forest, with Martyn Dalby scoring 66 not out, and Quon (57). The Fence side were then dismissed for 118.

Long Lee's Paul Wilkinson scored 120 not out as his side rattled up 211 for five at home to Carleton, who hung on for a draw at 129 for nine.

Haworth West End edged closer to the pack in their effort to avoid relegation when they beat Foulridge by 27 runs. The Bront side batted first and reached 156 for eight with Duncan Tetley (46) the top scorer. Adam Bailey (5-30) and Jason Bilbrough (5-65) then completed their 27-run victory as they bowled Foulridge out for 129.

The top two in the Second Division met at Chatburn where leaders Cullingworth won by seven wickets.

Chatburn rattled up 233 for four with Stuart Draycott making 76, but Cullingworth batsmen Chris Welch (98) and Steve Welch (71 not out) upstaged him as they took their side to their target for the loss of three wickets and they are now nine points clear of their rivals.

There was drama at Airedale where visitors Ingrow won by one wicket off the last ball of the game. The home side made 163 with Phil Loftus scoring 60 as Dale Hoyle and Ian Roberts took three wickets each. Paul Goodwin scored 47 for the winners as Ben Guest claimed five for 47.