A NEW entry in the record books for Follifoot may have captured the headlines but Skipton can take quiet satisfaction from their last three batsmen despite their heavy defeat in the Aire-Wharfe League.

Chris Newton and Neil Walker set a new league record for the third wicket as Follifoot reached 277 for two.

Wickets fell rapidly in response but 16-year-old Chris Parker, coming in at number nine lasted for 40 minutes and then last wicket pair Graham Williamson and Jai Mukherjee held out for four overs to secure a point for Skipton.

Martin Windle and Andrew Fergie put together a stand of 68 for Skipton but once Fergie went the writing was on the wall.

Going in against title-chasing Follifoot without four first teamers - attending the wedding of David Whiteley - was a recipe for disaster for struggling Skipton but their eyes are on the future, rather than the inevitable relegation.

Captain Geoff Fryers remains optimistic but realistic about the dearth of talent in the Skipton area.

Asked if he was still enjoying it he said:

"Well, obviously I am disappointed that I am not making the contribution with the bat I would like but I am enjoying the way the team is battling away.

"Other teams have said the way they admire us for our spirit and even in the last over players were diving about trying to save runs.

"The performance of young Chris Parker was a good sign but the juniors are our future. Graham Williamson bowled very well but then tired so if he can get his fitness sorted out he could be our opening bowler for years to come.

"If you look at this end of the valley then there's not a great deal of talent you can turn to. Skipton were never a great side but there does seem to be a dearth of local talent at the moment so juniors are the key to our future.

"There seems to be virtually no cricket played in the schools these days so if we want to create some youngsters coming through then we'll have to do it ourselves."

It all went wrong for Silsden in their key battle against second place Kirkstall.

Opener H Tennant hit 36 but wickets were falling at the other end regularly as Silsden were all out for 113.

N Walmsley hit 66 to steer Kirkstall to maximum points.

Upper Wharfedale were given a sound thrashing in Division C by title-chasing Pool.

The visitors racked up 178 with David Daggett taking four wickets but the problems started when the Dalesmen started their reply.

Wickets fell at regular intervals, with no-one passing 14 runs as Wharfedale were all out for 69.