Pool sunk as Steeton surge clear at the top (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Pool sunk as Steeton surge clear at the top

5:09pm Wednesday 28th June 2006 in Sport By Sports Desk

John Akrigg (58) and a season-best from Jonathan Best (57) maintained Steeton's position at the top of Division A as the promoted side clinched the points in the clash of the day at second-placed Pool.

The pair combined to set the hosts a target of 201 but Pool finished 38 runs short after Gary Boulton (4-33) and Nathan Geisler (4-40) ripped through their attack.

Despite the best efforts of James Harford (54), Otley fell to a seven-wicket defeat against Adel after overseas star James Bullick (105no) struck 14 fours and two sixes in a free-flowing innings.

Burley, Rawdon and Tong Park remain rooted at the bottom after another disappointing week. Burley could only take two points against Green Lane, despite Ben Harris (4-43) and Pete Sumner (33) leading the way with spirited displays.

Follifoot inflicted a 162-run defeat on Rawdon after the hosts collapsed for just 46 runs when chasing 209.

Some sensational Follifoot bowling included a spell that saw five wickets in five successive balls, with Luke Swards grabbing two before Simon Taylor dismissed Peter Smith, Stewart Dobson and Duncan Stowe.

Tong Park came away pointless from Kirkstall after a seven-wicket defeat.

In Division B, Thackley produced a five-wicket win against Bardsey to breathe life into their campaign.

Carl Busfield (53) recorded his first half-century of the season while Mahir Ali (4-46) continued his strong form with another four-wicket haul.

Horsforth had Anthony Cadman (51) to thank after they snatched two points from their clash against Calverley, reaching their 75 per cent target by just five runs.

Zeesham Quasim's second six-wicket haul of the year handed Silsden the points in what could have been a tricky game at Upper Wharfedale. Quasim took six for 20 while Yasa Ali smashed a quickfire 65 as Silsden emerged clear winners.

Andrew Burke's figures of six for 32 from less than 11 overs swung a dramatic match in Guiseley's favour against Hall Park. Guiseley had been skittled out for just 105 but Burke's tormenting deliveries saw Park collapse 11 runs short of their target.

Olicanian moved into mid-table by taking six points from their match with Knaresborough. Garfield Williams (5-27) and Darren Murray (53no) stole the show as the hosts claimed the points in 36.3 overs.

In Division C, Ben Rhydding fell victim to Shane Franklin's ten-wicket haul as the Australian took ten for 35 to carry New Rover to victory.

Second-placed Harden fell further behind leaders Illingworth after a 20-run defeat at The Ainleys.

Simon Wood (6-19) battled bravely but it wasn't enough to stop Illingworth collecting their fifth complete win.

Ilkley came close to toppling Colton after Phil Sant (64) and Andy Wheeler (43) had laid the foundations. But needing 11 runs to win from their final over, Ilkley had Joe Varley run out to finish agonisingly short.

Menston recorded a comprehensive 73-run victory over Skipton with Rob Taylor (5-64) producing another clinical performance.

Addingham took just 32 overs to overcome Alwoodley's target of 171, reaching 173 with eight wickets in hand thanks to 54 from Richard Simpson after James Hall (6-26) had taken a hat-trick.