Oakworth, leaders of the first division, stole a march on their rivals for the league title -- as they were the only top team to manage a result.

However, their opponants made them struggle for victory. Sutton, batting first, managed only 72 off their overs with captain Paul Hardaker making 38. Graham Rankin took 6-40 and Michael Scarborough 4-26 as the home side battled for runs.

In response Oakworth struggled on a bowler-friendly track. Graham Rankin, 26, and John Crossley, 20, provided the main stay of the innings as Oakworth squeaked home with two wickets to spare. Chris Isherwood was again Sutton's most destructive bowler, taking 6-36.

In the game between second and third in the league, Embsay entertained Foulridge. Although the game ended in a draw it produced a scare for Embsay. Foulridge batted first and scored an impressive 201-7 but were left to rue a missed decleration. Nawaz made 84 and Jason Bracewell 49 to put Foulridge in a promising position. In reply Embsay faultered to 55-5 before a combination of good batting from Edward Tiffany, 43no, and brother James, 29no, and the eight o' clock rule saved Embsay.

A similar situation took place at Cowling where fourth place Carelton were left hanging on to a point. After a 90 minute delayed start Cowling made 140-9. Nick Ridding scored 34 and captain David Watson added 28 as Craig Wear claimed 6-60. With only an hour and a half left to get the runs before 8pm Carleton set about the run chase but struggled, continually lost wickets and in the end held out for a point closing on 98-9. David Sutton and Martin Rishton were the pick of the bowlers taking 5-51 and 3-32 respectively.

Haworth took advantage of Gargrave's covers and poor form to make ground on the leaders. Haworth scored 219-5 dec off 32.4 overs with Trevor Christian making an unbeaton 100, Stuart Ratcliffe added 47 and Colin Williamson made 35 as they dominated the bowling. In response Gargrave were never in contention closing on 145-6 off 45 overs. M. Clayton 53, and Andrew Facey 34 put up slight resistance as Christian completed a good match taking 3-53.

No play was possible at the other two fixtures as both Bradley v Cononley and Pendle Forest v U Wharfedale fell foul of the weather.

Thornton, leaders of the second division, were made to work hard for their reward at Barnoldswick III. The Victory Park side batted first and made 112-9. T. Hackney made 38 and M. Bowker 39 as Brian Laycock took 4-29. The West Craveners took 38 overs to reach their target for the loss of 5 wickets.

The clash of the second and third placed clubs, Long Lee and Barrowford, was abandoned without a ball being bowled which enabled fourth placed Chatburn to leap frog over the latter with a dramatic win at Skipton C.I. The home side made a creditable 169-9 with Nick Williamson scoring 55 and John Drake 54. The Ribblesdale side were grateful to Richard Shovelton for his knock of 80 which put them in the driving seat at 141-6. A ninth wicket partnership of 24 took the score onto 168 which more or less secured victory.

Glusburn visited Keighley Tech and came away with the points after an impressive seven wicket win. Matthew Llyod made an excellant 92no for the visitors. The weather put pay to any play between Airedale and Ingrow St John's.

There wasn't a ball bowled at any game in the third division.

The top of the table clash in the fourth division saw second placed Carelton overturn the nine man leaders, Cowling, to return to top spot. Carelton were restricted to 88 in their innings with David Barwick top scoring with 20. Bob Richardson took 5-18 with the ball and followed this up with 24 with the bat but was unable to guide his side to victory as the innings closed on 64. Andy Haigh took 6-27 for the home side.

Their was another nailbiting finish at Cononley where Airedale were the visitors. The Keighley side batted first and made 98-9 with Tim Crossley scoring 29 as Matthew Town claimed 5-37. The home side came close but eventually finished 6 runs short on 92-9.

Cowling Cup

Embsay entertained Long Lee and showed why they are the holders, bowling the visitors out for a lowly 33. Ian Robson took 7-9 and Nassir Hussain 3-14 as the bowlers took firm control. Embsay knocked off the runs in 6.3 overs for the loss of 2 wickets.

In another low scoring game Cononley played host to Haworth who, batting first, were dismissed for what looked like a disapointing 54. However, it proved to be enough as Cononley crashed to 39 all out.

In the third match of the round Haworth WE equalled the feats of their neighbours in joining them in the semi-finals. Batting first against Barrowford they put on 195-6, Andy Bradbury contributed 66 with Joe Nash who made 46. John Robinson blasted 48 off 31 balls to keep the innings' momentum up. Martin Caygill was the only one of the Barrowford bowlers to offer any resistance taking 4-82. In response Barrowford fell well short finishing on 108, Bradbury takin 6-36 and Denis Palmer 2-45.

Upper Wharfedale eased into the semi-finals with a five wicket victory over Cowling. Cowling were restricted to 98-9 with M.Shackleton 32no and Steve Dalby 25 the highest scorers. Stuart Whyte and Malc Watson controlled the flow of runs with 4-34 and 3-45 respectively. Jason Waddington made 30 and Casper Bean 27 on Wharfedale's march to victory.

Embsay will now play Haworth while Haworth WE will entertain Upper Wharfedale in the other semi-final.

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