First Division leaders Embsay, were out of action so second-placed Barrow-ford took the opportunity to close up to just two points behind them.

They entertained Long Lee and, after mopping-up operations were done, knock-ed them over for 95. Richard Wilkinson made 27 as John Hargreaves claimed a superb seven for 19. After early successes, Kevin McGahon (39 and Ajmal Choudry (43 not out) took the Red Rose side to the points by six wickets.

Cowling moved into fourth after an eight-run victory at Bradley. The visitors made 168 for six, Steve Mitchell and Keith Woodhead both scoring 55 as John Duffey finished with six for 67.

As long as Neil Robinson was at the crease the homesters were in with a chance. However, he went for 80 and the points went back to Keighley Road.

Thornton travelled to Cullingworth and got home in a nail-biting finish. The Booth Bridge Lane lads posted 162 for six, with evergreen Kev Pollard making 76 not out and skipper Richard Craddock 68. The homesters fell agonisingly short on 160, with Andy Hodgson scoring a fine 73.

There are new leaders at the top of the Second Division, Bingley Congs opening up a two-point gap on Glusburn after travelling to Chatburn and winning while their rivals were inactive.

Chatburn posted a creditable 173, then the visitors galloped home by five wickets, Tim Burnley (57) leading the way.

Denholme edge into third a point in front of Skipton CI. Denholme were at Wilsden and rolled the home side over for 133 after being 124 for five. David Wear took seven for 51 and followed this with 47 to guide his side to victory by two wickets.

Cononley drop into the relegation zone after a lacklustre performance against Airedale at the Colthurst Ground. The Keighley side rattled up 183 for seven in their 30 overs with Iqbal Zaman hitting 57 not out and Richard Bennett 46 as Steve Filkin took four for 67. The homesters were knocked over for a modest 53.

Bottom side Ingrow enjoyed only their second victory of the season, beating Pendle Forest by 20 runs in a 35 overs-per- side game.

The Keighley team made 123 for eight, led by Aide Stokes (39 not out) as Nick Daniels claimed four for 43. A fine spell by Aide Parker, who finished with six for 16, assisted by Wayne Exley (3-28), ensured the points didn't go over the border.

Another side to enjoy a welcome victory were Haworth Road, who saw off Ingrow St John's by 105 runs at Shipley. Will Burgess top-scored with 67 as the homesters scored 186 for eight, but Saints fell well short which keeps them in the relegation battle.

The only game to take place in the Third Division was at Riddlesden, who climb to third. Mick Bailey took five for 17 as visitors Barrowford were restricted to 90 for nine off 33 overs. Nasser Khamal (52 not out) and David Henson (31 not out) saw the homesters to a nine-wicket triumph.