Bingley Congs lost top spot in Bradford Central Division One when they suffered a surprise 141-run defeat at the hands of Thornton.

Paul Exley led the way with 63 and there were half-centuries for John Ashley and Mick Shanks as Thornton posted a massive 254 for eight in their 45 overs. In reply, Congs were shot out for 113, Joe Blencoe returning four for 30.

In the chasing pack, Girlington's recent good form continued. They were the division's top scorers with 265 thanks to Rifaquat Ali (62), Sajed Parvez (58) and Azziz Rehman (55). Shelf could only manage 152 in response, Andy Dimbleby top-scoring with 59.

Down at the bottom of the table, there was a welcome victory for Crossflatts. Mick Brooksbank led the way with 76 out of their 159 for five.

In a tight finish, Great Horton Church were finally dismissed for 155, Bob Scott returning match-winning figures of five for 19.

Clayton, whose early-season form put them in the relegation category, have now won their last three matches.

In a close finish at Oxenhope, they passed the home side's score with the last pair at the crease.

John Hargreaves was top-scorer for the home side with 55 in their 152 for nine, and Barry Locke made the same score in Clayton's 155 for nine.

There were also wins for Jer Lane, who made 138 for seven with 58 from Jeremy Illingworth, to beat Haworth Road by three wickets; and Laisterdyke, who comfortably defeated bottom side Norwood Green by 76 runs, Gary Kingett taking four for 18 for the winners. Laisterdyke had earlier made 205 for nine with 52 from Imdad Shah.

Division Two leaders Buttershaw St Paul's have opened up a significant gap over the chasing group.

This weekend's victory over Den-holme Clough was achieved in stunning fashion.

Clough were back in the pavilion for a modest 70 and with the tea interval only just over, Buttershaw knocked off the runs required in only six overs, Steve Potter helping himself to 46.

Second-placed side Hepworth-Idle were dismissed for 157 and surprisingly beaten by lowly Wilsden, who made 161 for eight, David Newbould top-scoring with 59.

Wibsey Park Chapel made 157 for eight, Richard Atkin scoring 69, and were comfortable winners at Westwood Park.

Thornbury, whose recent form has been good, are pulling away from the bottom. They beat high-flying BT Bradford, who scored a creditable 197 for nine, but this was nowhere near enough and was passed by Thornbury for the loss of only three wickets. Abdul Halim (77) and Mark Slator (54) were their top scorers.

There were also wins for Adwalton and Sandy Lane, but the day's top scorers were Allerton who made 312 - Masoud Zaman 124 not out and Mark Exley 51 - only to have to settle for a winning draw against Low Moor.