Harden clinched a thrilling two-run victory over Thackley that could prove to be crucial in this season's fight to avoid relegation from Division B.

Harden were promoted with Thackley last season but both clubs have struggled this season. Harden, who knew that defeat against the second-bottom side at the weekend would see them slip into the relegation places, batted first and hit 180 with skipper Andy Moulds cracking 46 and Anthony Bairstow 54.

Stuart Hudson soon put the Thackley batsmen under pressure and the home side were reduced to 110-8 at one stage. However, Gary Greenwood led the fight-back with an unbeaten 39 only to run out of partners with Thackley just two runs adrift of forcing a tie. Hudson dismissed last man John Bogue lbw to finish with figures of six for 65.

Thackley remain second bottom with seven points while Harden leap above Knaresborough and up to ninth place with a relatively healthy 16 points.

Burley's Chris Wheeler hit the highest score of the day with a chanceless 170 not out in a resounding 152 runs over bottom club Bardsey. It was Wheeler's second successive century and came at the rate of a run a ball as he cracked 25 fours and two sixes.

Kirkstall remain top of Division B after beating Ilkley while Rawdon are second just two points behind. Craig Walsh's 89 and half centuries from both David Whittaker and Bruce Percy helped Rawdon to 286-9 before spinner Neil White's five for 48 clinched victory with the visitors bowled out for 147.

In Division A, Steeton are still searching for their first victory of the season and are now five points adrift of safety. Jon Smith's 68 helped Steeton to 237 only for Adel to go on and clinch a five-wicket victory with three balls to spare.

Hall Park are third bottom after Otley spinner Andrew Burke claimed five for 28 to help set up a seven-wicket victory for his side. Green Lane remain bottom, a point behind Steeton, after losing to Follifoot by four wickets.

Second-placed Menston lost further ground on leaders Bilton after having to settle for four points from a winning draw with Collingham. Gary Thompson, who went on to hit 84, and Ned Taylor shared an opening stand of 129 before Taylor was dismissed for 63. Menston eventually finished on 247 for five while Collingham were 219 for seven at the close, Martin Knowles taking four for 50.

Guiseley lost by seven wickets to leaders Bilton despite hitting a respectable 250 for eight with Mark Ross and Chris Underwood both cracking half-centuries. Steve Phillips' unbeaten 149 in Bilton's reply was enough to clinch a victory that nudges them three points ahead of Menston.

Rob Dilger's 61 helped keep Skipton on course for promotion from Division C as Addingham were comfortably beaten by 81 runs.

Skipton are level on 42 points with Colton at the top with Horsforth six points adrift in third place.