WITH the notable exception of Denholme's Rod Taylor, who lashed a splendid 120no at Glusburn, batsmen were once again on the receiving end of some rough treatment in the Craven League as bowlers held sway.

Competition for the top-performance award was once again very keen. Thornton's Mark Proctor was one of the stronger contenders with 6-6, although 4-2 from Airedale's Malcolm Quinlan was another display vying for top spot, Vern Rook's 3-0 for Cowling was highly economical, as was the 8-21 by Pendle Forest's Nick Daniels in their win at Bradley.

Defending champions Thornton were in good form 'at home' to Wynn Cup winners Haworth - the game being played at Ermysted' s Grammar School. The Bronte side batted first and struggled to 114, with Damian Rowell top scoring with 37, as Proctor turned in his destructive spell.

He came on as second change and produced an eight-over spell which included five maidens, cost six runs and claimed six victims. Thornton then cantered to a comfortable seven-wicket win, thanks mainly to Kevin Pollard 49no and David Holt 33no.

Oakworth are also going well. They travelled to Barrowford and came away with the points after winning by 15 runs. Michael Scarborough led the way with 44 and Robert Hopkinson supported with 39 as the visitors reached 152-9, the Bull Holme side being restricted to 137-8 when their overs expired.

Embsay entertained Sutton at Shires Lane and were made to fight for their runs. They were dismissed for 102 after putting on 48 for the first wicket. David Robinson scored 30 as David and Justin Holdsworth finished with five wickets apiece - the former for 30 runs and the latter 42 runs. The visitors were reduced to 45-8 by the 25th over.

Then a partnership of 36 by Alan Johnson and David Holdsworth for the ninth wicket was starting to look good before both fell with the score on 81. Scott Robinson finished with 5-32 and Tom Hanson 4-14.

The Williamson brothers, Shaun (5-38) and Nick (5-53), had visitors Cowling back in the hut for 110 to raise Skipton CI hopes, but the optimism evaporated as Martin Rishton 5-25 and Martyn Dalby 4-45 then dismissed the Sandylands side for 91.

Despite the defection of their Aussie recruit, Trevor Switzer, Foulridge are going very well so far. They rattled up 208-5 in their overs against Long Lee at Noyna, John Lickess leading the way with 64 and Mohammed Nawaz chipping in with 47. The latter then took 5-24 as the Keighley side perished for only 53.

It was also a game for the bowlers at Bradley. James Heseltine took 6-20 to dismiss Pendle Forest for 113, but that proved to be more than sufficient. The homesters stuttered to 67 in reply as Nick Daniels claimed 8-21.

Neville Allen made 41 of Carleton's 83 all out at home to Haworth WE, with Adam Bailey taking 5-23, the Bronte side cantering to a fine seven-wicket win as Joe Nash made 33no.