RICHARD Nichols produced a chanceless, unbeaten century that helped ensure Skipton survived to fight another year in Aire-Wharfe League Division Two.

Nichols smashed 21 boundaries in making 151off just 131 balls to take his tally in all competitions past 800.

Knaresborough’s experienced captain Jonathan Corcoran described it as "one of the finest innings I’ve seen in the Aire Wharfe. His team needed it and he stepped up and delivered".

Having already picked up three bowling bonus points in Knaresborough’s 304-7, Skipton needed to pass 200 to pick up the batting points they needed to be sure of staying up.

Nichols with the help of Ben Holderness (41) and Shahid Nadeem (36no) made sure they got them.

Harden also needed seven points to be sure of safety but, despite an eighth-wicket stand of 85 between Paul Quinlan (46) and Lee Spragg (40), could only manage five against already-promoted Follifoot and had to sweat until they heard that Upper Wharfedale had lost to Colton and so would be relegated.

Meanwhile, Green Lane were doing everything possible to try and snatch the second promotion spot – a run that had taken them from 11th place after week seven to third with one match to go.

Michael Abbott took his run total past 700 with 62, and with Phil Atkinson (67) and Andy Lee (75) steered Lane to 290-7.

Mike Ellis

(5-36) led the way as Bolton Villas were dismissed for 172 in which Sam Lawrence followed up his 5-82 spell with a top score of 44 not out.

That gave Green Lane maximum points but they were just pipped for promotion by North Leeds, who beat Adel by 80 runs.

Ross Todd hit 63 as Tong Park Esholt crumbled against the attack of Andrew Stothart (6-34) and Jack Young (3-45) and, despite a couple of scares, Brad Goodaire (53no) made sure Thackley rounded off the season with a win.

Otley had plenty to celebrate, ending their double-winning season in style on the day that their second XI clinched their title for the second year in a row.

Josh Atkinson (82) and Ben Morley (53) set the tone at Collingham as Otley raced to 308. Ricky Halloran then followed up his 48 with a 5-34 spell, which included three wickets in four balls, as Collingham were bowled out for 168.

Burley made sure of the runners-up spot for the second time in three years with victory at Ilkley.

Despite the efforts of Will Spivey (6-59), Danny Bryan (50), Charlie Davy (45) and Nick Brook (49) saw Burley to 210-9, and Jason Wright (6-52) masterminded Ilkley’s downfall to 171.

Ben Rhydding were already relegated but showed they might well bounce straight back with a fighting display at Kirkstall. Chasing the home side’s 223-7, Forrest Hamilton (66), Red Bolton (53) and Tom Pratt (44no) took them to within three of victory before losing their final wicket.

Conor McInerney (71) and Ryan Gladwin (43) led Rawdon’s successful run chase of Beckwithshaw’s 201-9, and a half-century from Jonathan Best helped Steeton overhaul Guiseley’s 225.

That was tough on Nasir Jamal, who followed up his 55 runs with 5-34.

Majid Inayat was another all-rounder in form, hitting 88 and taking 4-35 as Silsden beat Addingham in Division Three. Addingham’s opener Ricky Palacio was eighth man out with 85 of their 149.

Mark Gilliver (110) and Leon Harber (80) put on 158 as champions Horsforth reached 251-5, and New Rover were on 120 without loss when bad light ended the game.

Dan Hall (52) and Julian Thornhill (47) steered Calverley to 215-8 before Jonathan Hudson (4-18) and Naveed Panesar (3-6) skittled out Bardsey for 69.

Chris Wheeler (97) and Dave Britton (80no) put Olicanian in the driving seat, and William Pearson (6-36) clinched the win, Hall Park managing only 110.

Imran Mirza (46) top-scored for Menston but they still fell 34 runs short of Alwoodley’s 207-9.