Skipton are looking to avenge their home Waddilove Cup semi-final defeat at the hands of Burley on Saturday to give their chances of survival in Division A of the Airedale & Wharfedale League a major boost.

They started a crucial spell of matches last weekend with a fine win at North Leeds and if they can reverse a disappointing Cup result at Sandylands against fellow strugglers Burley, they can earn themselves some welcome breathing space.

The absence of skipper Chris Gott with a groin strain is a handicap the club could do without at a crucial stage in the campaign and it seems that he may not be fully fit again before the season ends.

"I'm hoping to be playing again as soon as possible, but it may be that I'll have to settle for batting only to start with," he says: "Obviously in our position every result is vital and the six points we picked up at North Leeds were very useful."

Key to success was the ability of the bowlers not only to retain a tight grip on proceedings, but also to bowl out North Leeds within the allotted 50-over allocation. In dismissing North Leeds in 43.4 overs, the Skipton attack gave the batsmen extra overs in which to reach their target of 129 and the visitors made full use of that bonus.

All the Skipton bowlers managed to contain the opposition, with paceman James Henson returning 3-31 in 10 overs, included three of the top six batsmen.

Danny Sturgess (33), Robert Greenwood (21) and John McPherson (21) were the principle run-getters as Skipton took 53.4 overs to reach victory at 130-7.

On recent batting form, most people would have predicted another comfortable win for Steeton when they were left to chase Knaresborough's 125 total, but it was not to be.

Guy Saxton's excellent 6-18 performance went unrewarded as the home side claimed a seven-run success.

Neil Spragg (45) and Matt Pinniger (32) were the only Steeton batsmen to make any impact and a chance to stay in close touch with the leaders was lost.

Silsden's battle against table-topping Guiseley unfolded along predictable lines, although the bottom club have not lost the ability to dig in when facing a difficult situation.

Glen Taylor (83) was the key figure in Guiseley's total of 200, but with three batsman back in the tent and only 17 runs scored, a familiar rearguard action followed.

Once again David Jackson (28) was in obdurate mood and while the Guiseley attack all finished with economical figures, they were unable to claim maximum points as the home side finished on 108-7 after 50 overs