THE battle against relegation is certainly hotting up in the Airedale and Wharfedale League's top division.

Rawdon have already produced a string of results that have removed them from the danger zone and on Saturday Otley widened the gap over near neighbours Menston.

Half-centuries from Sam Smith, Sean Atkinson and David Taylor helped Otley to claim four points from their drawn game.

Otley made 260-4 with Smith leading the way with a superb 85. He was well supported by Taylor with 56 and Sean Atkinson with 55.

Otley were however frustrated by Hall Park's last pair Craig Hobson and Bob Hodson who held out to claim two points in dark conditions.

Craig Hobson led Park's rearguard battle with an unbeaten 51 while Kenrick Marshall made 54.

Menston meanwhile were battling to hold on to two points after looking at one stage as if they would take all six in their match at home to Adel.

They finished on 210-8 in reply to Adel's 227-6 but at one stage were 190-5. But then three wickets fell in quick succession and they had to apply the brakes.

Adel's R Jones cracked a fine 101 and had support from S Howie with 57 as Rob Taylor caused their colleagues problems with a 5-74 return off 20 overs.

Opener Richard Taylor gave Menston a good start and contributions from A Thornton (31), B Portlock (31) and Nick Thornton (38 no) seemed to be edging the game their way.

That was until J Shires (3-52) and T Gray (3-64) deemed otherwise.

Rawdon's improved form continues apace and they restricted Guiseley to a mere 120-9 with M Longley taking 4-41 and J Hughes 4-45.

Although Bruce Percy went without scoring Graham Dobson (36) and M Hutton (38) restored the balance and built the foundations for a six wicket win.

Bilton remain nine points clear at the top after edging out Kirkstall Educational in a low scoring game.

Mark Hodgson took 4-36 off 14 splendid overs and Neil Walmsley 3-37 off 13 as Bilton were restricted to 123.

Lloyd Mash opened with 20 and the only other contributions of note came from Toby Drummond with 26 and Carl Heptinstall with 29.

Any hopes Kirkstall had that Bilton were saving themselves for the following day's Waddilove Cup final were soon dispelled.

Anthony Burton bagged 5-44 as Kirkstall crashed out for 84 in 36.2 overs.

He had excellent support from Andy Walker with 3-21 off 11 overs while Guy Saxton bowled a good spell taking 1-8 off six overs.

Luke Jarvis chipped in with 1-2 as victory was achieved.

Follifoot were also warming up for the Waddilove Cup final the next day but they were defeated by Beckwithshaw by a four wicket margin.

Brian Smart opened with 67 and steered Follifoot to a score of 209-6. He gained excellent support from Paul Angove with 55 and Neil Walker with 31.

Follifoot's bowlers however were off the mark and with Beckwithshaw opener Ben Quick soon into his stride they were unable to contain them. Quick went on to make a superb 91 which provided the backbone of his side's innings.

They won by a four wicket margin with Ian Bullock striking the last ball of the match for four to clinch victory.