ONLY seven matches ssurvived as waterlogged pitches again took their toll -- bringing the total number of lost matches to 103.

With the season well past the half way stage there have only been two weeks when the league has been able to stage a full programme of 25 matches, storing up a major fixture headache for the weeks to come.

League officials have warned the situation has now become very serious: "There are only 12 more Saturdays until the start of the cricket season, and there are 500 games still to be played. Many clubs have not yet completed half their league programme and those that are furthest behind could end up playing two or three times a week.

"No one can remember a wetter autumn and winter period, so the season has been very exeptional," said league secretary, Peter Marsden.

Oxenhope Recreation took advantage to move into second place in the Premier division, beating Rimington 5-1.

Oxenhope created many chances, but squandered them until just on half time, the deadlock was broken when Patrick Higgins found the net. Rimington bounced back almost straight away with a scrambled goal to make it all square at the break.

The second half saw a dazzling display from Oxenhope who beweldered Rimington with the speed of their passing and flowing football. Steve Murray claimed a superb hat-trick and Chris Ellis made it five, giving Embsay a warning that the Worth Valley club's long wait for the title could be coming to an end.

They are now two points behind Embsay having played the same number of matches.

Cross Hills moved into third place with a 5-0 defeat of bottom club, Cowling, who look distined for relegation to Division One. Both teams adapted well to the conditions and although cowling defended stoutly they could not cope with the penetrating runs of the Cross Hills forwardds.

Nick Shaw got the openeing goal, slotting home from a corner. A good move saw Harry Peacock deliver a pin-point cross to Adam Whiteoak who made it 2-0. Stephen Barraclough split the Cowling defence to lay on goal number three and a similar move saw Ian Craven get the final touch with the fourth.

Adam Reed completed a top class performance with the fifth goal despite a gutsy performance from the Cowling team.

Keighley FC returned to winning form with a 3-2 local derby victory over Haworth who are also deep in relegation trouble.

Both teams produced 100 per cent effort, but chances were squadered at both ends until just before half time. Matt Gilmartin gave Haworth the lead, but Keighley stormed onto the attack after the break and quickly equalised.

Michael thompson beat the offside trap to give Matt Gilmartin a simple tap in for Haworth before Keighley stepped up another gear and were rewarded with a penalty and a late winner.

There were no matches in Division One, but in the Second Division Barrowford United closed the gap on the leaders with a 5-3 victory over Skipton Bulldogs Reserves.

Barnoldswick United shared four goals and the points with Addingham Reserves.

Skipton town reserves continued to climb clear of trouble with a 2-1 away win at Colne Cricket Club Reserves. Ilkley Juniors Youth lost 2-0 to Intake reserves, but earned praise from the Intake team, and the referee, for their sporting attitude and skilful play in difficult conditions.

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