Steeton and Silsden battled into the gloom on Saturday night as they fought out a tightly contested local derby.

On a dank, miserable evening Silsden decided to bat out for two points instead of going off for very bad light.

The Summerhill Lane club eventually collected a four-point winning draw as darkness fell at 9pm.

Batting first, Steeton made a very useful 265, with influential Australian Matt Pinniger top scoring with an awesome 96. Other contributions came from Neil Spragg and Robert Wynn who returned with a typical swashbuckling innings.

The total was always going to be too much for a Silsden side which is struggling in the league and has adopted a negative batting style in an attempt to rescue every point. However, a courageous innings of 35 from Tim Sugden and an attacking knock of 54 from John Akrigg meant that Silsden claimed two points by batting out the overs to finish on 187-8.

The game ended in a rather farcical manner as the only safe bowlers in such dim light, were the slow ones.

Silsden 2nds rediscovered their ability to bat as they took five points from a winning draw with Menston to ease their relegation worries.Batting first Silsden based their total of 211 around a knock of 67 from Hugh Sugden who was supported by 36 from Stuart Tillotson, 20 from Paul Tatterton, 25 from Ian Sagar and 20 from Paul Bainbridge.

In reply Menston could not get going against an accurate opening spell from J K Roberts who took one wicket for just two runs in 9.4 overs. Mick Harwick's first seven overs cost just 11 runs at the other end.

Menston soon settled for a pint, reaching 1006 with Matt Shuttleworth the most successful bowler, taking two for 12 from seven overs.

Steeton 2nds gained four points from a high scoring draw against Otley.

Oliver gledhill led the batting attack with 80 and opener Greaves scored 58 s they set a target of 281-7.

Oltey put up a good fight after losing their first two wickets with 20 runs on the board. P Hardwick picked up six wickets for Steeton.