The race for the First Division title was thrown back into the melting pot as leaders Barrow-ford slumped to a 15-run defeat at home to Oakworth.

The visitors were struggling at 80 for six when Chris White joined Graham Rankin and the pair put on an undefeated 92 to raise the final Oakworth total to 172 for six.

Rankin made 57 not out and White was unbeaten on 45 as Ronnie Misra claimed four for 64.

Barrowford found themselves in a similar position at 87 for six and despite the best efforts of Farooq Shehzad, who made 43 not out, they were unable to get further than 157.

Rankin (4-27) and Jason Bilbrough (4-67), assisted by six catches from wicketkeeper Tim Walsh, did the damage.

The gap at the top is down to a point as Embsay saw off the challenge of visitors Culling-worth at Shires Lane.

The hosts amassed 203 for seven built on an opening stand of 88 by Simon Bailey (45) and James Tiffany (42), John Hillary top-scoring with 51 as Steve Welch took three for 49.

Cullingworth could only reply with 162 against the bowling of Stephen Speak (5-59) and Nick Williamson (3-34).

Bingley Congs retain third spot after a seven-wicket win at home to Bradley, Ian Copping taking six for 47 and striking an unbeaten 41 to help secure the points.

Glusburn moved up a place to fourth after their fruitful visit to Foulridge, who were restricted to 149 for nine by Kevin Hird

(5-46) before Graham Harrison's 60 not out secured a five-wicket verdict.

Haworth hosted Thornton and struggled to 147 against excellent bowling by Mark Paxton (4-57) and Richard Craddock (3-42).

The visitors stormed home by seven wickets as Mark Procter's 65 not out did the business.

Meanwhile, Haworth WE were enjoying one of their

better days with the bat as they made 180 for seven, Les Jones scoring 63. But visitors Cowling still eased home by eight wickets thanks to Gareth Frankland (56) and Ben Thurston (49).

High-flying Denholme had a disastrous time at Ingrow in

the Second Division, where they were knocked over for 68.

Dale Hoyle bowled superbly to finish with eight for 42 before his Keighley side romped home by seven wickets in the 22nd over.

Ingrow take over top spot - two points clear of Haworth Road, who lost by eight wickets at Pendle Forest.

Airedale are fourth after a 10-wicket victory at Sutton, where 16-year-old Paul Quinlan took five for 23.

Sandy Lane moved closer as they saw off visitors Cononley by seven wickets, skipper Mark Oldfield scoring 63.