CHAMPIONSHIP A leaders Batley continued their push for the Bradford Premier League top flight with a comfortable 53-run win over Saltaire.

Steady batting from Aqeel Mukhtar (40), Tariq Mahboob (35no) and Aqsad Ali (33) enabled them to make 182-6. Saltaire faltered in reply and were dismissed for 129 as Tariq Hussain (4-41) and Ali (3-19) impressed. Batley are 21 points ahead of Yeadon, who have a game in hand.

Yeadon kept their title challenge going with a six-wicket win at Undercliffe. Their success was set up by the good bowling of Michael Hunter (5-62) and Taine Jolley (3-40) as the home side made 187-9. That score would have been considerably smaller if cricket chairman Andy Wilsdon had not made an unbeaten 44.

Opener James Todd (53) and the promising Max Maciver (37) ensured that Yeadon had few problems securing their tenth win of the season.

New Zealander Chris Anderson made a fine unbeaten 105 as Hunslet Nelson put their recent batting woes behind them and secured a four-wicket win over Liversedge. Anderson ensured that his side were able to chase down a Liversedge total of 190 despite the efforts of Wasim Khaliq (5-54).

Liversedge's innings was built around the contributions of their experienced batsmen Paul Marlow (69) and Mark Hydes (37). Patrick Hincliffe impressed with 5-48 for Nelson.

Ossett warmed up for today's Jack Hamphire Cup final against Buttershaw St Paul's with a five-wicket success over Keighley.

Harvey Anderson took 5-38 as Keighley were bowled out for 131 and followed up with 48 in the successful run chase, where Khalid Usman finished unbeaten on 43. Keighley skipper Alex Towler was his side's top scorer with 40 and most successful bowler with 4-40.

Mounam Ejaz (3-5), Jamie Abbott (3-9) and Mushtaq Ahmed (3-36) enabled Baildon to bowl out Birstall for 127 to secure a 23-run win. Jenny Lane skipper Simon Bailey top-scored with 42 in their total of 150 as Kamran Khan picked up 4-30.