STEETON'S hunt for a first away win of the season in Aire-Wharfe League Division Two goes on after a 25-run defeat at Tong Park Esholt.

Bowlers were on top as Joe Stead (3-26) and Paul Hardwick (3-34) impressed in helping bowl the home side out for 159 after the visitors had won the toss.

But Steeton found batting no easier with Mohammed Nadim (4-38) and Mahir Ali (3-33) dismissing them for 134, despite a battling 44 from David Robinson.

Robinson had good support from Craig Walton, who scored 39 but Steeton’s tail-end was unable to wag as the visitors fell short.

Harden missed the chance to leapfrog visitors Green Lane and reignite their promotion hopes in Division Three as they lost another low-scoring encounter by 16 runs.

Tight bowling led by Andy Bailey (2-21 off 15 overs) and Richard Falkingham (2-37 off 15 overs) restricted Lane to 158-9.

But that total proved too much as Harden could only reach 142 all out in reply. Mark Portlock played the anchor role with 45 and James Roper hit 37 but only one other batsman made double figures as Azhar Mahmood took 3-21 to move his side up to fourth.

Steeton II recovered from being 39-5 to record a 26-run win at home to Tong Park Esholt II.

Julian Higginson, who had come out of retirement due to a lack of available players, scored a half-century to help post a defendable total of 163 all out.

Luke Watson was chief destroyer when Park replied, taking 6-43 as Zaggy Pearson weighed in with 3-30 to see the visitors back in the hut for 137.

Harden II enjoyed a thrilling two-run win at Green Lane II. After being put in to bat, the visitors made 177-8 thanks to Liam Kelly (46) and Tom Stordy (31).

The total proved just enough as Green Lane could only reach 175-8, Steve Gardner claiming 3-42.