THERE were some excellent batting performances on Saturday as grounds dried out and wickets became firmer. The highest score of the day went to Second Division newcomers Denholme, who plastered Haworth West End's attack for 315-2.

In the First Division 477 runs were scored between Carleton and Skipton CI with the result going to the next to last ball. Visitors CI batted first and scored 238-7, with Mark Worthington scoring a superb 114 and Shaun Williamson 54.

The villagers' reply got off to a fine start in a 77 opening stand between Steve Carling, 49, and Rob Walker, who was third out for 40 with the score on 114. Skipper Ian Bell and Jonathan Charlton, with 72 and 29 respectively, put together a stand of 105 for the fourth wicket. In a tense and exciting finish they got home by four wickets with just one ball to go.

Oakworth travelled to Bradley and restricted the home side to 141-7 in their overs, M Milbourne top scoring with 39. The Keighley side's winning reply revolved around a fit again John Crossley 52 and R Fairburn 41 as A Smithson took 4-28.

At Booth Bridge Lane Sutton were the visitors and, taking first knock, made 147-8 with Craig Thornton leading the way with 68 as Richard Craddock took three for one. Thornton's reply was always under pressure but David Harrison anchored the innings with 45no as victory was achieved by two wickets. Darren Wild took 4-48 for the losers.

Cowling's season has yet to start; they came away empty handed from Haworth having lost by three wickets. Skipper Steve Mitchell held the visitors together with a patient 57 as Duncan Marsden took 4-39. The Bronte side cantered to victory thanks mainly to their skipper Adrian Ratcliffe who made 66.

Embsay and Long Lee were embroiled in a terrific cat and mouse game at Shires Lane. The visitors batted first and lost two quick wickets before Paul Stowell 31, Matt Taylor 30 and skipper Chris Taylor 35 pushed the score to 140-8 against some tight bowling backed up by excellent fielding.

When the home side batted they got bogged down by a fine spell of bowling by Chris Taylor, ably supported by the wily John Tetley. At 105-6 at the end of the 40th over it was game on and with two overs to go 19 was required.

Steve Speak and Jon Coward set about the bowler and stormed to victory with three balls to spare. Chris Taylor finished with a creditable 5-59 off 22 overs.

The only 100 per cent record in any division vanished as Glusburn came to grief down at Airedale in a low scoring game in Division Two. After Brian Hollis took 5-22 Glusburn were all out for 57 chasing 79 with 16-year-old Ben Guest taking 6-17.

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