WHILE the arrival of Kiwi paceman Duncan Grant brings welcome strengthening to the bowling department, Skipton need to develop their run-scoring credentials to make an impact in Division A of the Airedale & Wharfedale Cricket League.

The Sandylands men could muster only 205 runs in two innings in league and cup matches and even with newcomer Grant brought into the firing line within hours of stepping off a plane from the other side of the world for Sunday's cup-tie, the total were not enough to give the bowlers a realistic chance.

Follifoot had Skipton struggling on all fronts on Saturday.

The visitors made 270-4 in their 50-over allocation, with all the Skipton bowlers struggling to contain a very handy Follifoot line-up. In reply, Skipton were never in the hunt as Ian Houseman claimed 5-38, although David Whiteley resisted well.

He was top-scorer on Saturday with 19 as his side were dismissed for 98 and then repeated the process the following day against Burley in the Waddilove Cup.

Sadly, his 38 found little support as Skipton were bowled out for 107, although the home side did have some success with the ball before going down by six wickets. Burley found an anchor in David Brook, who reached 50 and put his side on the path to victory.

Silsden received a reminder that life can still be demanding now that they have dropped into Division B when they entertained Alwoodley in the Cup. The visitors posted a very tidy 241-6 after openers Mitchell and Taylor had put on 104 for the first wicket and that sort of total was never within Silsden's grasp.They fell for 134, Mitchell producing a 4-16 return to complete a good day's work.

An unbeaten century by John Akrigg was the cornerstone of the side's 238-6 the previous day in the league game against Kirkstall Ed, who were 182-8 at the close after losing half their wickets for 64.

Steeton must have fancied their chances when they posted a total of 249-6 at Rawdon and when the home side were reduced to 130-6, a victory seemed likely. However, Kenrick Marshall has a habit of turning games and he lashed seven sixes and nine fours in a knock of 92 which saw Rawdon home by four wickets.

While Marshall was recently savaging the Wharfedale attack in the Cup, this week is was the turn of Pakistan Under 19 all-rounder Arif to destroy the Dalesmen. He produced a devastating spell of nine wickets at a cost of just three runs to leave Wharfedale dazed and all out for 29.