Keighley were thwarted by the weather for the second week running, and had to settle for a point against second placed Lidget Green.

Captain Steve Mitchell had no hesitation in asking the home side to bat on a damp strip, and soon had them in trouble at 50 for four, following accurate bowling by Steve Reape and Dale Towler. Keighley's progress was then denied by a torrential downpour which left most of the square covered in water.

The Keighey players led the mopping up operation s Lidget were quite happy to have the game called off, moving them closer to promotion.

When play resumed, Reape struck quickly and with Lidget struggling on on 85-6 Keighley were optimistic of a result, but allowed the home side's tail to wag. They declared with five overs remaining, giving Keighley 30 overs to overhaul the total of 167-9.

The Lawkholme side made a valiant effort in their run chase with rapid knocks from Steve Reape and Lee Gordon. With Gulsheraz occupying the crease there was still hope, but once he was caught on the boundary edge it was left to David Jaques and Alan Birkett to bat out the remainder of the innings.

With Lightcliffe winning, Keighley lost ground in t he chase for the third promotion spot, but will be keen to return to winning ways when Manningham Mills visit Lawkholme tomorrow (Saturday).

n Keighley 2nds fielded first in a rain delayed match which meant that the game was reduced to 44 overs per side. The damp wicket and outfield combined with good bowling kept the batters at bay.

After another rain delay Keighley's overs were reduced by 10 which meant Lidget Green would have to declare with five overs left for it to be a fair contest.

As the wicket dried, the batsmen picked up more runs with Khan (82). Lidget Green failed to declare as they believed their bowlers could dismiss Keighley inside 34 overs. In these last five overs they only got 14 runs and were bowled out as Waj Ali took four for 56 and Andy Smith claimed two for 43.

The visitors managed 173 which was more than Keighley would have wanted as the fielding wasn't up to its usual standard. Keighley's reply started poorly with an early run out but a recovery from Waj Ali (19), Andy Smith (20) and Steven Millward (21) kept Keighley's hopes alive.

In the search for runs, two more run outs from direct hits meant victory was unlikely. Keighley ended up batting out the last few overs with youngsters Peter Smith and Ross Balderstone providing stubborn defence as they finished 60 runs short.

In the end the points were shared as Lidget Green regretted not having the five more overs to bowl Keighley out.

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