With just four games left, Dales Council League Division A leaders Leeds Sikh took a massive step to retaining their title with a demolition job at Shipley Providence.

Batting first, the hosts were shot out for a mere 54, with the irresistible Hari Seehra claiming an outstanding 7-7 for the visitors.

In reply, Sikh romped to 57-1 to record a comprehensive nine-wicket win and move 36 points clear at the top.

Their rivals appear to be faltering as second-placed New Wortley (166) lost for the second successive week.

This time they went down at Halifax Direct (189, Adnan Mahmood 92) where the home side continued their impressive form, winning for the sixth consecutive week.

The wheels also look to have come off the challenge from third-placed Apperley Bridge . After the previous week’s damaging defeat at Leeds Sikh, a further setback occurred when entertaining lowly Hawksworth .

The hosts made 215-6 (Mohammed Kurshid 83), a total which proved well within range as the visitors cruised to 216-2, with Naveed Ahmed hitting 95 and Ben Lake 90 in the Hawks’ impressive reply.

Saville Stars (157, Arfan Shah 70, Mohammed Abrar 5-46) made it three wins out of three, their latest success coming at Baildon (143, Mohammed Asif 5-49).

Hyde Park (148-6) completed a four-wicket win at home to Hepworth & Idle (145).

In the topsy-turvy world of Division B, leaders Tong Manor (196-8) fell to a 14-run defeat at Thornbury (210-6, Abdul Halim 65,Taz Bashir 64).

Apperley Bridge (166, Mohammed Amin 82, Tufail Ahmed 53) are back up to second spot after their 86-run win at Meanwood (80), who dropped to third.

There was an outstanding bowling performance by Farnley Hill’s Gary Beaumont, who returned 9-42 against Drighlington -Whitehall (127).

In reply, hosts Hill made 129-1 (Chris Sowden 62no) to maintain their challenge at the top.

Division C leaders Tong Park Esholt (95-7) are still on course for a cup and league double after a three-wicket win at Leeds Sikh B (94).

There was a high-scoring affair in Division D at Drighlington-Whitehall, as bottom side Wibsey Park Chapel hit 231-6, with Shabaz Darr making an excellent 139 not out. It proved in vain as the home side responded with 232-3 (Andy Keyworth 98, Malcom Robinson 74no).