ON a day when the rain played havoc with the programme Burley managed to extend their lead in the race for promotion to Division A.

Pool won the toss in a reduced overs game and they elected to bat. They were however soon under pressure at 13-2.

The sustained and accurate attack of Richard Harrison and Nick Brook was again effective and Pool collapsed from 58-4 to 66 all out.

Captain David Murphy was Pool's top scorer with 14.

Burley skipper Richard Harrison bagged the last five wickets at very little cost to finish with 6-21 while Nick Brook's figures were 4-34.

Only nine overs were needed for Burley to get the runs as the rain threatened. Ian Normington (19) and Australian Ben Harris (22) forced the pace and the six points were once again Burley's.

Another side to bag a win in the rain affected programme was Steeton who set Tong Park a target of 144-9 in their 40 overs.

They struggled after losing their front three batsmen cheaply but then J Best (38) and J Akrigg (18) restored the damage and their efforts were built on by Ollie Gledhill who finished with 27.

Number 11 L Spragg also made a good contribution of 27.

Tong Park's Mick Scott returned an impressive 7-63 off 19 overs but the target was still too high for Tong whom fell for 91 in reply.

They struggled against the bowling of John Best (5-50) and Adrian Emmott (5-40). Only skipper Nick Murden with 21 from the opening spot showed any real resistance along with their Indian star Chander Sheikar who made 30.

Silsden took four points from a drawn game with Skipton. They made 182 in a game reduced to 22 overs a side. In an excellent batting display opener Chris Meehan smashed 66 and Lee Bilborough 54 as they shared a second wicket stand of 71.

Skipton replied with 145-7 with a fine 41 from opener S Carling and 28 from I Bell. Australian Dan Senior picked up 4-66 to keep Silsden in control.

A start was made at Collingham where the home side made 197-3 before declaring after 35 overs.

Unfortunately no further play was possible and Illingworth were left kicking their heels.

For Collingham opener Brian Leigh made a superb 91 not out and found excellent support from Matthew Cooke (29), Harlan Hayes (38) and Jonathon Woodward (27).

Play also got underway at Thackley where the home side made 74-5 in 24 overs.

They struggled against the bowling of Knaresborough's Mike Baxendall who certainly found the conditions to his liking. He took 5-37 off 12 overs. The game was then abandoned.