THE TOP two in the Bradford & District Evening League Second Division met at Thackley, where one of the games of the season took place.

Buttershaw St Paul’s' Andrew Deegan (30) and James Sawyer (27) took their side to 75-2. However, the home side’s bowlers responded, aided by a run out, and restricted their opponents to 114-6 off 16 overs.

This total seemed well out of reach as Thackley slumped to 28-4 but overseas star Jack Young (31) helped to repair the damage, but when he was stumped it left his team struggling on 72-6 with overs running out.

However Joe Tate and Alan Cuff (23no) responded with some lusty blows. When Tate departed for a rapid 17, it was left for Daniel Maguire to smash the penultimate ball for an apparent six.

A great piece of fielding though saw the ball flicked back from outside the boundary, leaving the home side needing two to win off the final ball, Maguire and Cuff then scampering a single to leave the scores level after a pulsating match.

Wibsey Park Chapel moved into second place with a five-wicket win over Keighley, while Oakworth aided their promotion hopes with a comprehensive win over Daisy Hill.

Shipley Providence missed the chance to go top after Majid Inayat’s half-century helped Stonewhite to a 29-run victory, and

Mayfield returned to winning ways as they overhauled Cambing’s 127-3, Mustafah Shah top-scoring with 39.

Only two points split the top three in the First Division.

Tasir Javed (5-23) was in devastating form for Salem Athletic as they bowled out Thornton for 99, the Hutchinsons (Josh 41 and Nikki 21) being the only batters to make double figures and Salem won with three overs to spare.

Shelf enjoyed a six-wicket win over bottom side Bingley Congs, while Denholme’s 146-2 proved too much for John Breare, who replied with 95-8, overseas player Jamie Chapman (53no) contributing over half their total.

Denholme play both their rivals in the next two games, which will have a major bearing on the championship.

Smart Moves’ victory over Tong Park Esholt leaves four teams separated by only two points in the battle to avoid relegation.